Official opening of the new Greater Manchester Police HQ
The communities of Greater Manchester came together to welcome Greater Manchester Police into their new home this week.
Faith leaders, local councillors, representatives from partner agencies and members of the local community were among more than 100 people who celebrated the official opening of the new Force Headquarters at Central Park in Newton Heath.
Local school children led the celebration with a performance by pupils from St Edmund's RC Primary School in Miles Platting, welcoming Greater Manchester Police to their community.
Speeches from Cllr Paul Murphy, GMPA Chairman, and Chief Constable Peter Fahy, were followed with a presentation by primary school pupils from across the region.
Children from ten schools, representing each of the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, presented Cllr Murphy and the Chief Constable with a piece of artwork inspired by community, faith and policing.
When put together, the ten pieces formed a map of Greater Manchester that will be displayed in the atrium of the new building.
The ceremony ended with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Cllr Paul Murphy, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority, said: "This is an iconic building which has been many years in the planning, so it's fantastic to see it finally come to life.
"Not only is this a headquarters for GMP, it is also for the people of Greater Manchester which is why it's great to have local school children with us today to welcome GMP to the neighbourhood. Their involvement truly emphasises the welcoming, community feel of the building and local schools will be invited in to learn about the police service, past, present and future, and build valuable links between GMP and the community -- links that will prove vital in the future.
"From the very beginning of the project, the Police Authority has always been proud to be part of this important development. Members shared a vision for this building; for it to be fit-for-purpose, completed to the highest standards and prove to be an excellent investment for the future. This vision has now been realised, and will provide a lasting legacy for the communities of Greater Manchester."
Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "This is a modern functional building but certainly not an extravagant one. It represents a wise investment by the Police Authority which over many years will help the Force reduce the costs of office space and energy. The Force needs to significantly reduce accommodation costs and adopt modern ways of working such as open plan space and shared desks. Where possible we also need to share buildings with other agencies.
"It is fitting that this building has been opened by local school children. It reminds everyone that our over-riding duty is to serve local people and ensure that the maximum possible effort is put into the protection of the public by reducing financial overheads. This sense of duty was laid down by Sir Robert Peel the inventor of modern policing who was born a short distance from the site. His memory and the principles of policing he laid down are rightly celebrated in the entrance way."
Watch video Official opening of the new Greater Manchester Police HQ online without registration, duration hours minute second in high quality. This video was added by user Greater Manchester Police 09 February 2012, don't forget to share it with your friends and acquaintances, it has been viewed on our site 4,610 once and liked it 9 people.