The PSNI is seeking to buy the massive site of a former Army base in Co Down. The organisation is the ‘preferred bidder’ for Kinnegar Barracks in Holywood, which has been derelict since the Ministry of Defence announced it was closing back in 2016. The information was disclosed to local residents in a letter issued by Alliance MLAs Connie Egan and Andrew Muir on Thursday. It seeks to reassure them that the “current intention” is that access to Airport Road will remain closed to the public to ensure a minimum impact in terms of additional traffic.

It’s unclear why the PSNI is in pursuit of the 54-acre site, which would be big enough to house a new headquarters and/or training facilities. The revelation comes on the same day that the Chief Constable told a Policing Board meeting that he expects the police service to be “front and centre” of Stormont’s draft programme for government as he believes health and education have been funded “reasonably well”.

Jon Boutcher highlighted a £34m gap in finances and made reference to an October monitoring round when money could be released, but was adamant that policing numbers would not be cut as it is “not safe” for people living here. The Belfast Telegraph has asked the PSNI why it is seeking to acquire the site, how much it intends to pay for it, and how it will do so given serious budget restraints.

Concerns and Reassurance

North Down MLA and Daera minister Andrew Muir has welcomed the move which he said would put many local residents’ minds at ease, as it rules out a private developer stepping in. He told the Newtownards Chronicle he has “consistently been on the record stating that consulting with and securing the buy-in of local residents is essential to any plans or works that may be undertaken”.

“Alderman Martin McRandal and I have regularly raised our concerns on behalf of residents in the Kinnegar area, including worries arising from any possible opening of new access routes. It is my understanding that, although matters continue to be developed, the current intention is for access to remain closed to the public, and all traffic from the base will continue to enter and exit from Airport Road, thereby avoiding any further traffic issues arising in the Kinnegar residential area. I am grateful to the police for agreeing to meet alderman McRandal and I, and their commitment to ongoing engagement as this potential development progresses.”

PSNI Statement

In a statement, the PSNI confirmed it had “expressed an interest in acquiring the Kinnegar site and has been identified as preferred bidder as part of the D1 Disposal process for Public assets”. “This process is managed by Department of Finance, Land & Property Services and Central Advisory Unit. We will continue to undertake significant engagement with various key stakeholders, including local residents, to discuss all the potential opportunities and benefits of any development.”

A Potential New Chapter for the Kinnegar Site

The PSNI’s bid to buy Kinnegar Barracks is a significant development. It’s the latest chapter in the long and storied history of the site. The base, which was deemed surplus to requirements by the Ministry of Defence, has been vacant since 2016. It was even used as an emergency mortuary during the Covid pandemic. The sale of the disused complex was held up by the Covid-19 pandemic which saw the site turned into an emergency mortuary.

The PSNI’s interest in the site has sparked speculation about what the future holds for Kinnegar. Some have suggested that the site could be used to house a new police headquarters, while others have proposed the creation of a new training college. There are also suggestions that the site could be used for a mix of purposes, combining office space with training facilities.

A Modern Police Service

The PSNI’s potential acquisition of Kinnegar Barracks is a sign of the organisation’s commitment to modernization. The PSNI is in pursuit of the site with a vision to establish a new training college and a new, slimmed down and more easily accessible headquarters. The site stretches over more than 50 acres and its access points are much more practical and easily secured than the site at Knock. This move could be a strategic step in meeting the needs of a modern police service, including a focus on training and accessibility.

What’s Next

The PSNI’s bid to buy Kinnegar Barracks is still in the early stages. The organisation is currently the preferred bidder, but the sale is not yet finalized. The PSNI will need to secure funding for the purchase and will also need to work closely with local residents to address any concerns about the potential impact of the development. The PSNI is committed to engaging with stakeholders and discussing the potential opportunities and benefits of any development. Local residents, as well as other stakeholders, will be eagerly watching to see what the future holds for Kinnegar Barracks. The PSNI’s potential acquisition of the site could be a major step forward for the organisation. It could lead to the creation of modern facilities that will help the PSNI to better serve the people of Northern Ireland.

A New Beginning for Kinnegar

The future of Kinnegar Barracks is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the site has the potential to be transformed into a valuable asset for the community. The PSNI’s potential acquisition of the site could be a catalyst for positive change, creating new opportunities for the community and helping to address the needs of a modern police service. The potential development of Kinnegar could be a sign of progress and a source of hope for the community. It could be a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment to creating a better future for Northern Ireland. Only time will tell what the future holds for Kinnegar Barracks. But one thing is certain: the PSNI’s bid to buy the site is a sign of progress and a source of hope for the community.

The Future is Bright?

With the PSNI now the frontrunner to buy Kinnegar Barracks, the community is eagerly awaiting what this potential development may bring. The PSNI’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders is a positive sign, and the potential benefits of the development are undeniable. The PSNI is in a strong position to develop the site and create something truly special.