A LONG-DISCUSSED plan to reshape policing in south Wiltshire has taken a decisive step forward, with Salisbury set to play host to a major new police base at Old Sarum.

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Philip Wilkinson, has confirmed the purchase of six acres of land near the historic hillfort, clearing the way for the creation of a Southern Policing Hub designed to serve the city and the surrounding rural communities for decades to come.

The new hub will become a modern, purpose-built home for Wiltshire Police officers, staff and volunteers, bringing together response and neighbourhood teams along with specialist and support services under one roof.

PCC Philip Wilkinson and chief constable Catherine Roper.

For residents in Salisbury, the promise is of greater police visibility, faster response times and a facility better suited to the demands of 21st-century policing.

The land purchase marks a milestone in the Safer South Wiltshire programme, a process that began in 2021 when Mr Wilkinson commissioned a full review of the force’s buildings and operational estate.

That review, later revisited by chief constable Catherine Roper in 2023, concluded that existing arrangements in the south of the county were no longer fit for current or future needs.

After assessing a number of potential locations, Old Sarum emerged as the preferred site in 2022.

Its strategic position, strong transport links and scope for future expansion made it the standout choice.

“This has been a four-year journey of detailed planning, careful assessment,” Mr Wilkinson said. “Securing this land is a clear demonstration of our long-term commitment to delivering a policing facility that is accessible, visible and operationally effective for the communities of south Wiltshire, even in the face of a difficult financial climate.

All costs for the project are included in Wiltshire Police’s medium-term financial strategy and will be funded through borrowing, a standard approach for long-term public sector investment.

While the financial pressures facing policing remain significant, both the PCC and the chief constable have stressed that investing in the right estate is essential to maintaining effective frontline services.

Chief constable Roper said the hub would give officers “the base they need to work smarter, adapt to changing crime demand and provide greater presence to our communities”.

There are currently no plans for a third custody unit at the site, though the land allows for future expansion if needed.

Design work will begin immediately, with an outline planning application expected in autumn 2026.

The development represents more than a new building. It signals a long-term commitment to keeping the city and its surrounding villages safe, with a visible policing presence rooted firmly in the south of the county.