New police commisioner claims £600K savings with new lease for Mansfield office

Caroline Henry announced an improved deal on the lease of Phoenix House in Mansfield which will net the force £60,000 a year for the next ten years, adding that the cash will be used to boost the number of bobbies on the beat.

But an executive summary of the new deal, dated May 21, says that "extensive negotiations" with the landlord, National Grid Property Holdings, have been ongoing since the previous ten year lease expired in October 2019.

It said the landlord was "keen to complete investigation works on the former gas works site to establish the extent of any underground contamination prior to arranging clean-up works and before a further long term lease is entered into."

Mrs Henry, who was elected on May 8, 2021, said: "I want to explore and exhaust every opportunity to save money so our communities not only receive the policing response and service they deserve but that our hardworking officers have the kit, technology and support they need to do a good job.

"The two things go hand in hand.”

A spokesperson for the commissioner said: “Negotiations have been underway for some time, however, nothing was finalised until Commissioner Henry took up office and signed it off.”

The rent reduction for the Lime Tree Place office has been backdated to April 5, 2020, and the new ten-year deal will run from September 30, 2021.

Chief Constable Craig Guildford has welcomed the new deal as part of the force's plan to make savings on buildings in order to maximise the number of officers and staff.

Mr Guildford said: "This new deal is another example of how we can maximise efficiency to provide a better service to the public.

"Savings like this help us to recruit and maintain more staff and to continue to invest in new technologies.

"We've been very clear on efficiencies and operationally I always want both cheaper, and less square feet to help me deliver more on the beat.

"Something we have achieved at Worksop, Hucknall and West Bridgford already with hopefully more to come."

You can see a video message from Commissioner Henry here.

Editor’s message: Support your Chad by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Click here to subscribe.