A topping out ceremony has been held to mark the completion of the tallest point of the new Gwent Police headquarters in Cwmbran.

The 5,178sqm facility at Llantarnam Industrial Estate will accommodate 480 officers and staff, and will be home to the force control room, which is the first point of contact for 999 and 101 calls.

Thie site will also be the base for major crime teams, support services and senior management.

Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “Our new headquarters will give us a building that is fully functional and fit for the purpose of modern policing. It will enable us to utilise new technology and cutting-edge approaches to provide the best possible support to our front-line teams, and to better look after the wellbeing of our staff.”

The building should be ready to open in autumn 2021.

Jeff Cuthbert, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The demands on policing continue to grow every year and it is right that officers and staff have an up-to-date facility that is suitable for modern ways of working.

“This facility is a long-term investment in policing in Gwent and will help Gwent Police to protect and reassure our communities for many years to come.

“It is fantastic to see the structure of this brand-new building nearing completion and I would like to thank BAM Construction who delivered this project for us, and also local businesses for their patience during the construction.”