PLANS for a new multi-million pound police base in Basingstoke have been submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Simon Hayes, has applied for planning permission to build a new two and three-storey Police Investigation Centre (PIC), a single-storey custody building and a two-storey van dock in Jays Close, Viables.

The investigation centre, which will cover Basingstoke, Winchester, Andover, Alton, Aldershot and Farnborough, will include 36 custody cells and a public facing lost and found property desk.

If approved, 250 parking spaces will be provided at the site, including 47 visitor spaces.

It is hoped the new base, which was chosen to be built in Basingstoke due to its “excellent road networks”, will allow frontline police officers to resume and patrol their local communities quicker after taking people to be kept in custody to the centre.

The multi-million pound centre will accommodate 350 members of staff on a shift basis, however, only 210 members of staff are expected at one time.

The site will be operational 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week but most activity will take place between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The application says: “The PIC will be a secure facility which will allow specialist police officers, civilian staff and CID/uniform investigators to deal with investigations in a purpose-built premises.

“The police require a building which can be easily adapted to changing operational needs and could be adapted for another occupant should the police no longer need the facility.

“The office building will provide facilities that will allow a centralised investigation hub with investigators and specialist teams co-located which will support more efficient working and offer a quicker handover for the arresting officer.”

If the plans are given the green light by the borough council, it is hoped the building could open in spring 2016.