Arresting new headquarters building for Hampshire Police

Designed for the Hampshire Police, the Operational Command Unit is a landmark eight-storey building located on the edge of Southampton city centre. The scheme forms phase one of a larger development on this important gateway site and comprises a new police station, a custody suite and a new headquarters building to command police operations in the city.

Orthogonal in plan, the long southern and northern elevations are finished with natural white stone, contrasting with the predominantly glazed east and west elevations to give a light, modern feel. In a bold formal gesture, the stone facades extend past the height of the office floors before bridging across at each end to frame the glazed offices below.

The shallow floor plan allows natural lighting in all office spaces, while vertical louvres on the glazed facades prevent overheating. Louvres are attached in a staggered pattern, changing the appearance of the building when viewed from different directions. The public entrance is marked by a double height canopy and generous public plaza, which is both welcoming and formal.