A major milestone has been reached in the construction of a new policing and justice hub at the heart of the Square Mile, signalling a long-term investment in the security of London’s financial centre…reports Asian Lite News
The City of London Corporation and the City of London Police have marked the topping out of the new City of London Police headquarters at Salisbury Square, completing the structural frame of what is being described as a defining piece of infrastructure for both the Square Mile and national policing. The £600 million development, funded by the City Corporation, brings together a state-of-the-art police headquarters and a purpose-built justice quarter designed to strengthen the UK’s response to economic, cyber and fraud offences. With architecture by Eric Parry Architects and construction led by Mace Construct, the complex is due to be completed in 2027.
The topping out ceremony marks a symbolic stage in the delivery of the project, signifying that the main structure of the headquarters building is now in place. It follows a similar ceremony held in September for the development’s courts building, which will house 18 specialist courtrooms dedicated to economic and cyber crime cases. Together, the courts and police headquarters are intended to form a new operational heart for the City of London Police, supporting its dual role as the local force for the Square Mile and the National Lead Force for Fraud and Cyber Crime.
The City of London Police has built a national reputation for its specialist work in tackling complex financial crime. Through long-established public-private partnerships, the force helped save the financial industry £55.5 million in losses last year. Its Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit has prevented £800 million worth of fraud since it was created, while its Economic and Cyber Crime Academy has trained more than 3,500 people over the past three years, spreading specialist skills across policing nationally.
That record has been reflected in recent inspection results. 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, underlining its focus on victims and investigative quality at a time when fraud and cyber offences continue to rise.
For the City Corporation, Salisbury Square is a flagship project that supports its ‘Destination City’ growth strategy for the Square Mile. A safe and secure environment for businesses is seen as a critical factor in attracting inward investment and sustaining economic and productivity growth. Protecting that environment – for those who work, live and visit the City, both on the streets and online – is central to the mission of the City of London Police and, by extension, to the UK’s wider economic security.
Beyond policing and justice, the development is also intended to transform the surrounding area. Significant public realm improvements are planned, including a new commercial building providing sustainable Grade A office space, the sensitive conversion of a listed building into a hospitality venue, and the creation of a new public square. The square will offer more green and open space, improved pedestrian routes and views of St Bride’s Church spire, reinforcing the City’s global business appeal while improving everyday experience for workers and visitors.
City Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said, “The City of London Corporation makes a vital contribution to the UK economy; its security is of vital importance. The City of London Police is uniquely placed to help ensure that continues. 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. It will provide the City of London Police with the cutting-edge space and technology required to deliver faster justice for victims, protect people and businesses, and uphold confidence in the integrity of the UK’s financial system.”
