Opinions sought on south police hub plans amid custody suite dilemma
A new site in Old Sarum is being planned to house Wiltshire Police
Last updated 29th Jun 2026
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner says he wants the communities of South Wiltshire to tell him what they think of plans for a proposed South Policing Hub.
Philip Wilkinson is preparing to submit a planning application for the long-awaited site, after conditionally securing land in Old Sarum for the new facility.
Last week, public events were held at the Ray Mac Stadium, home of Salisbury Football Club, to allow locals to see the plans and give feedback.
It is still possible to see the proposals and have our say via the PCC's website.
"We need to know what the public want and then with whatever resources we can get our hands on, we will deliver what they want," Mr Wilkinson said. "Basically, that's going to be predicated upon having an all singing, all dancing southern policing hub next to, part of our one and only city in the county."
In 2021, a review of the Force's operational estate identified the need for improved frontline policing facilities in the south of the county.
The previous base in the Salisbury area on Wilton Road closed in 2014 and it is hoped that Old Sarum will become the new police base for south Wiltshire.
The aim is for the hub to be home to neighbourhood, response and specialist teams, as well as staff and volunteers.
It will be designed to be a modern, sustainable and efficient facility, as well as improve operational effectiveness and emergency response times, and boost trust and confidence in local policing.
What about a Custody suite?
Currently there are no plans for a custody suite at the new facility.
If the site is built without it being added, officers will still need to take arrested suspects to Melksham or Swindon for processing.
Asked about the possibility of a custody suite, the PCC said: "That is the big question."
He believes a custody suite is likely to be something local people want, but he explained that it requires up to 25 officers and staff to man it, which would come at the cost of officers on the beat.
"It's a really, really fine balance. Custody, or more officers on the beat. What we really need is more funding," Mr Wilkinson said.
Wiltshire is among the lowest funded Forces in the country and is in the process of making millions of pounds in savings for the second consecutive year.
"If we were funded to the national average, I would have an additional 49 million pounds to add to my budget of 180.
"If the government would reform the police funding formula, we could afford a custody and man it, without taking any officers off the beat. That's what I'm pushing for."
The Government is increasing funding for the entire police sector in 2026/27 by 6.7%.