Warwickshire Police headquarters up for sale

The authority, which is responsible for the governance of the county’s force until Police and Crime Commissioner elections on November 15, yesterday (Wednesday) approved plans to put Woodcote House, a Grade II listed building, on the open market.

The force may maintain a small operational base at the site.

The Leek Wootton estate, bought by Warwickshire County Council in 1947 and used by the force since 1949, will be offered for sale in seven lots by managing agents Lambert Smith Hampton. Initial bids and expressions of interest are expected by December 2012.

It is expected the site will become a care home after Warwick District Council approved outline planning permission for the change of use.

The force last year closed police stations in Wellesbourne and Warwick as part of spending cuts.

Its head of estates services Jim Stobie said: ““The Leek Wootton site is no longer fit for purpose and absorbs resources which can be put to better use in terms of delivering policing services to the public.

“It is not part of our future plans as we move forward into our alliance with West Mercia Police, although it is possible that we will maintain a small operational base on the site.”