Salisbury Square milestone marks new chapter for City of London Police

Editor

January 11, 2026
6 min read

Salisbury Square milestone marks new chapter for City of London Police

The Salisbury Square police headquarters reached a major milestone this week as the City of London Police and the City of London Corporation marked the topping out of the new complex, signalling the completion of its structural frame and the beginning of the final phase of construction in the heart of the Square Mile.

The £600 million development, funded by the City of London Corporation, brings together a new headquarters for the City of London Police and a purpose-built justice quarter designed to strengthen the UK’s response to fraud, economic crime and cyber offences. The scheme, at Salisbury Square, is due to be completed in 2027.

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A purpose-built centre for economic crime

The topping out ceremony, a traditional construction milestone, marks the moment the building reaches its full height. It follows a similar event held last September for the adjacent courts building, which will house 18 specialist courtrooms dedicated to complex economic and cyber crime cases and will serve as the operational heart of the City of London Police.

The new headquarters has been designed by Eric Parry Architects, with construction led by Mace Construct. Together, the buildings aim to place investigators, prosecutors and the courts in close proximity, a model intended to speed up complex cases and improve outcomes for victims.

The City of London Police plays a distinctive national role, acting as the National Lead Force for fraud and cyber crime. Its long-standing public and private partnerships helped save the financial industry an estimated £55.5 million in losses last year, while its Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit has prevented more than £800 million in fraud since its creation. The force’s Economic and Cyber Crime Academy has trained over 3,500 people in the past three years, sharing specialist expertise across UK policing.

“A once-in-a-generation contribution”

Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City Corporation, described the development as central to the security of the UK’s financial system.

“The City of London Corporation makes a vital contribution to the UK economy; its security is of vital importance,” he said. “This topping out milestone is testament to our commitment to ensuring the police force has the best facilities to keep the City safe, and for the UK to have the facilities it needs to confront the growing and evolving threats posed by fraud and cyber crime.

“Our £600 million investment in Salisbury Square is a once-in-a-generation contribution to national policing, justice infrastructure and economic growth.”

Tijs Broeke, chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, said the new headquarters would underpin the force’s dual role as both a local police service for the Square Mile and a national leader in tackling financial crime.

“No other UK police service matches its specialist expertise or national reach in combatting economic crime,” he said. “The Police HQ will ensure the Square Mile has the best facilities to fight complex financial crime, which is important for the UK’s prosperity and economic security.”

Focus on staff and victims

For the force itself, the move is also about modern working conditions. City of London Police Commissioner Pete O’Doherty said the building would support both staff wellbeing and operational effectiveness.

“Having modern, purpose-built facilities will allow us to deliver on our priorities to keep people in the City safe, improve the national response to fraud, economic and cyber crime, and secure positive outcomes for victims,” he said.

“Behind the steel and concrete is a shared commitment to our staff and our public. This building is a tribute to their professionalism, dedication and service.”

In 2025, the force was graded “outstanding” for crime recording and “good” for investigations and response by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, reflecting its focus on victims and investigative quality.

A changing corner of the Square Mile

The Salisbury Square scheme extends beyond policing. Significant public realm improvements are planned around the site, including a new commercial building providing sustainable Grade A office space, the sensitive conversion of a listed building into a hospitality venue, and a new public square offering improved walking routes and views of St Bride’s Church spire.

The development forms part of the City Corporation’s wider “Destination City” strategy, which aims to support growth in the Square Mile by combining safety, culture and high-quality public space. More detail on the Corporation’s approach to managing and investing in the City can be found via its official overview of services and governance on the City of London Corporation website.

For more stories on policing, security and major developments shaping the Square Mile, follow EyeOnLondon City for informed and independent reporting.

[Image Credit | Mace Group]