Henry Brothers has officially begun work on a major refurbishment of Wolverhampton Central Police Station.

The 16-month project, located on Bilston Street, will be carried out while the station remains fully operational to the public. Once complete, the redevelopment will deliver improved facilities for victims, a modern working environment for officers, and help secure the long-term future of the city centre site.

Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: "We are very pleased to be starting work on this scheme to refurbish Wolverhampton Central police station, as we take great pride in working alongside our bluelight clients. The creation of a more modern police station will provide improved facilities for West Midlands Police and allow officers to better service the local community."

As part of the project, Henry Brothers will employ local workers and apprentices, supporting jobs and reinvesting in the local economy.

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West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: "Every penny will be spent wisely, with local businesses and local people benefitting from this injection of cash into the local economy.

"Policing has changed considerably since the station opened 33 years ago, especially our focus on victims – which is more important now than ever. The work which is underway includes improvements to victim care facilities as well as staff areas."

The building – which has not been updated since it was opened by Princess Diana on 31 July 1992 – requires substantial essential work including replacing windows, installing a new heating/cooling system, repairing leaks and damp, creating new victim care rooms, insulating the building, installing solar panels and LED lighting to reduce energy and more.

Safety and security systems will be upgraded while an employee café will be built on site and managed by a local non-profit organisation.

The aim is for the charity to provide training and work for people who have historically been excluded from the local job market, including people who have experienced homelessness, disabled people and people with no formal qualifications. It’s a model which has been successfully implemented in other areas of West Midlands Police and proven popular with officers.

Cash for the £9 million critical works has come from making better use of West Midlands Police’s estate, reducing energy consumption and other cost savings that have made the service more efficient and more effective, such as the introduction of robotics to automate administrative processes and artificial intelligence to answer all non-emergency calls.

Money for the works can only be spent on buildings and equipment, and not officers.