Uncertainty over the future of a landmark building in Gloucestershire has finally been resolved.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl has completed a deal to take over the former Stroud Magistrates Court building after the Ministry of Justice today surrendered its lease to the PCC.

The acquisition, which follows months of negotiations, is in line with the commissioner's intention to modernise the police estate and ensure that police buildings meet the needs of the community, the constabulary and its workforce.

Mr Surl (pictured) said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to secure this deal. Stroud Magistrates Court is a landmark building, and as it is joined to the police station, it should be a smooth transition.

"From my first day in office, I set out my commitment to evaluate all the Constabulary's buildings to ensure officers and staff had the best working environment possible and the police estate, as it's sometimes referred to, would be value for money.

"I wish Stroud Magistrates Court was still in use but having the chance to acquire it on favourable terms represents a good deal both for the police and the public.

"We have some ideas about how we will use the building, including making it available for community use.

"We will be asking a number of people for their views in the coming months.

"I'd like to thank my colleagues in the OPCC and the constabulary for their support, and to Harrison Clark Rickerbys for their professionalism throughout the process".

Mark Carter, Harrison Clark Rickerbys' head of property finance in Cheltenham, who led the deal, with colleague Ryan Stewart, said: "We have worked with the PCC for some time now, and I am delighted that we could support them in this latest step, which will at least keep the court building within the justice system."

The acquisition is the latest stage in the re-development of the constabulary's buildings and follows the recent sale of the former headquarters site in Lansdown Road, Cheltenham with the generated proceeds being reinvested in neighbourhood policing.

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