In 1974 the former Bristol and Somerset and Bath Constabularies merged with part of the Gloucestershire force to form what we now know as the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Overnight the old Bridewell Headquarters of the former Bristol Constabulary was deemed too small to accommodate the increase in the number of police officers and police staff.

In 1975 the Police Authority gave its backing to a new Headquarters and the hunt for a suitable site began.

The Home Office originally provided 51 per cent of the £31 million, with the remainder being met by the Police Authority. Over the years the centralisation of resources in purpose-built accommodation has led to hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of savings in maintenance, heating, business rates and other costs.