THE PSNI has become the “preferred bidder” to purchase the disused Kinnegar Army Barracks in Holywood.
In 2016, the Ministry of Defence had declared the base as surplus to requirements but efforts to dispose of the site were delayed by two years after it was used as a mortuary during the pandemic.
During the height of the Troubles, the 54-acre Kinnegar logistics base had employed up to 1,000 civilian staff.
A police spokesperson said the PSNI had expressed an interest in acquiring the site and identified as the “preferred bidder” as part of the D1 Disposal process for public assets.
“This process is managed by Department of Finance, Land & Property Services and Central Advisory Unit,” they said.
“We will continue to undertake significant engagement with various key stakeholders, including local residents, to discuss all the potential opportunities and benefits of any development.”
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It remains unclear at this stage what the PSNI would use the site for, although reports have suggested it could become a new police headquarters and training college.
Alliance North Down MLA and Agriculture Minister, Andrew Muir, welcomed the development.
He said that traffic concerns meant that Holywood residents would prefer the PSNI over a private developer.
He told the County Down Spectator he was confident the PSNI’s intention would be to keep just one access point, via the Airport Road West on the opposite side of the barracks to the residential area.
“Since plans to sell the base emerged in 2016, I have consistently been on the record stating that consulting with and securing the buy-in of local residents is essential to any plans or works that may be undertaken,” he said.
News of the potential Kinnegar sale follows the closure of 11 PSNI ‘front counters’ last month due to financial pressures.
The number of enquiry offices dropped from 28 to 17 although all of the police stations affected will remain operational.
At the time, Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing, Bobby Singleton, said the current service was no longer “sustainable or effective”
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, however, the PSNI is facing unprecedented financial pressure and savings are necessary to deliver a sustainable and effective organisation,” he said.
