[MovedGoalPosts]

They won't be in a tent. Don't be ridiculous. As they have said they will be in a more streamlined HQ building i.e. something that meets today's rather than yesterday's needs. That also implies the current building is somewhat larger than is needed for modern policing, presumably because finally backroom staffing levels are reducing in favour of front line officers.

And yes the current site will probably be redeveloped, and will probably be offices. But forgive me, surely that is what the current building largely is? Rather like many regional police headquarters, it isn't a police station.

True there are many government buildings that have been under used. Many of those have also been sold off, or will be sold off.

If a building is truly historic, such as the parliament building, then yes it is right that funds are spent to renovate and maintain. We know there have been excesses with wallpaper, and the media have highlighted that and hopefully our elected MPs are aware that isn't acceptable (but continued references to expenses suggests they may not have fully learned that yet). But one should not confuse icons such as Parliament, with a very ordinary office building that just has a very public address.