FOI 928/26

REQUEST

I am seeking the following information relating to the former police station at 29 High Street, Hirwaun, Aberdare, CF44 9SL:

1. Confirmation of current ownership and operational status of the property.
2. Details of any decisions, plans or timelines agreed since 1 January 2020 regarding the future use, sale, disposal or redevelopment of this building.
3. Whether any formal approaches, enquiries or expressions of interest have been received from the public, community groups, local councillors, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council or any other party regarding reuse or acquisition of the building; and if so, how many and what they related to.
4. Why original external signage identifying the building as a police station remains in place, given the station has been closed to the public for many years.
5. Any recorded plans or assessments for removing the signage, or for securing or maintaining the building while it remains unused.

Please provide all information held, including copies of relevant reports, meeting minutes, emails or internal memos where applicable.

RESPONSE

We consulted with our Estates Department who have provided the following information in relation to your request.

Question 1

The Station is owned by South Wales Police but is not currently used operationally.

Question 2

The Station has been in use since 1 January 2020 until April 2026.  The station was identified as surplus to operational requirements within the Estates Strategy and subject for disposal.  A new facility will be created in Hirwaun Fire Station.

Question 3

We have not received any formal approaches, enquires or expressions of interest in the Station.  Disposals of Police Stations is undertaken by an appointed agent – the appointment of this agent is currently in progress.

Question 4

The Station has remained in use by our Neighbourhood Policing Team since it was closed to the public with them moving out when we started to prepare for the sale of the building.  All Police Stations, whether accessible to the public or not featured such external signage.

Question 5

The building has been fully maintained and will be up to the date of disposal. Signage will be removed from the station as part of our programme of works to prepare the building for sale.