Plans for a new £45 million Merseyside Police headquarters have been unveiled.
The move will see the force move from its current base in Liverpool city centre, close to the Strand, to purpose-built premises on Scotland Road.
Police chiefs believe that the planned move will save millions of pounds for decades to come despite the high original outlay cost.
Almost 850 people will be able to be housed in the proposed four-storey building, which is subject to approval from the local authorities.
As part of the plans, the neighbouring St Anne Street station is expected to remain open for business.
The decision was announced by Merseyside’s police commissioner Jane Kennedy and came after 44 potential sites in the area were assessed.
After years of uncertainty police commissioner Jane Kennedy has named the Scotland Road site as the preferred destination for Merseyside Police’s new nerve centre.
She said: “Extensive evaluations have been undertaken which confirm that building a new headquarters on Scotland Road is the most effective, efficient and economical way to ensure that Merseyside Police is able to tackle crime and protect our communities now and for years to come.
“Sadly, I have no option but to act – Canning Place has been a loyal servant to the force over the last 40 years and there is no doubt it boasts a good location.
“But it is now of an age where expensive repairs and maintenance work are urgent and essential.
“It is old, inefficient and its structure and layout are no longer fit for purpose. The lighting and ventilation are poor and the car park needs major structural work.
“Simply put, it is not in a fit state to serve the men and women who put on the uniform every day.”