Surrey Police New Leatherhead HQ: What Local Residents Need to Know
A New Chapter for Leatherhead: Understanding the Project
After three years of temporary accommodation, Surrey Police is finally moving forward with its long-awaited eastern headquarters on Cleeve Road in Leatherhead. The force received planning permission in November 2025, and preparatory work is set to begin on 7 September. This marks a significant turning point for the organisation, which was forced to vacate its Reigate base due to structural concerns with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). Since then, officers and staff have operated from Surrey Fire & Rescue Service’s former site at Wray Park in Reigate—a temporary solution that has stretched resources and split operations across the region. The new Leatherhead facility represents a substantial investment in local infrastructure and a commitment to maintaining policing services across Surrey, Woking, Dorking, Horsley, and East Horsley. The headquarters will accommodate approximately 500 officers and staff, all working from one modern, purpose-built facility designed to improve operational efficiency and community safety.
What This Development Means for Leatherhead and Surrounding Areas
The transformation of an unused car park into a modern police headquarters brings both opportunity and change to Leatherhead. The project is designed with an eye toward sustainability and community benefit. Alongside the new police facility, planning permission has been granted for 40 affordable homes on the site—a welcome addition to local housing stock in an area where property costs continue to rise. The headquarters location offers strategic advantages: excellent access to major road networks and local areas makes it ideal for rapid response to incidents across the wider region. Police leadership emphasises that the improved facilities will help attract and retain skilled officers and staff, addressing longstanding recruitment challenges that affect policing quality. The Cleeve Road location serves the policing needs of multiple communities efficiently. Stage two of the project will see existing buildings demolished to make room for residential accommodation, potentially offering affordable housing options for police staff themselves. For residents in Leatherhead and neighbouring areas, this means enhanced emergency response capabilities and a visible commitment to local safety infrastructure.
Timeline and Local Action: What Happens Next
Planning and preparation work begins in September 2025, but the main construction phase won’t start until February 2027. This extended timeline gives the community ample opportunity to understand the project’s scope and prepare for any local impacts. Mole Valley District Council has filed all relevant documentation, and residents can access planning details through the council’s public records. The project represents a £20.5 million investment that was originally purchased in 2018. Over the coming months, residents may notice increased activity on the Cleeve Road site and surrounding infrastructure assessments. During construction, there may be temporary traffic management measures and construction traffic, so it’s worth staying informed through local council updates. For those interested in the affordable housing component, keep an eye on announcements from Mole Valley District Council about how applications will be managed. Local businesses, particularly those in the building trades—bathroom fitters, kitchen renovation specialists, and bathroom refurbishment contractors—may find opportunities as the project progresses. Stay connected with Leatherhead community groups and the council’s planning department for updates on the development’s progress.
Source: Work due to begin on new police headquarters in Leatherhead
