New town centre police station approved by planners
GoogleA local authority has approved plans for a new police station in a former dinosaur-themed restaurant.
North Northamptonshire Council has approved Northamptonshire Police's plans to adapt the former Jurassic Grill in Market Place, Kettering.
It would replace the force's existing base in the council's car park on Bowling Green Road.
The office of Northamptonshire's police, fire and crime commissioner, Danielle Stone, previously said the new facility would "create a new, visible and accessible police station in the centre of the town".
Kettering Neighbourhood Policing Team would be based in the new station, which will include a reception and booking-in desk with security features, interview rooms and operational areas with office space and lockers.
According to planning documents on the Reform UK-led council's website, the proposal does not include any custody facilities.
Any detainees would be taken to the existing custody facilities in Kettering or Northampton.
The public reception area would be open to visitors between 09:00 and 17:00 from Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays or bank holidays.
Work to convert the restaurant must start by August 2029, the planners said.
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