A major milestone has been reached in the construction of the new City of London Police headquarters at Salisbury Square, marking a significant investment in the

future security of the Square Mile and the UK’s fight against fraud and cyber crime.

The City of London Corporation and the City of London Police have celebrated the “topping out” of the new headquarters, a ceremony that signals the completion of the building’s structural frame. The development is a cornerstone of a £600 million investment by the City Corporation, designed to deliver world-class infrastructure for policing and justice in the heart of London’s financial district.

Once completed in 2027, the Salisbury Square development will bring together a cutting-edge police headquarters and a purpose-built justice quarter. The complex is intended to strengthen national coordination against economic crime, reflecting the City of London Police’s role as the National Lead Force for Fraud and Cyber Crime.

Designed by Eric Parry Architects and built by Mace Construct, the development will provide modern facilities tailored to the increasingly complex nature of financial, cyber, and online crime. The topping out of the police headquarters follows a similar milestone reached last September for the adjoining courts building, which will house 18 specialist courtrooms dedicated to economic and cyber crime cases.

These court facilities are expected to play a crucial role in speeding up and strengthening the prosecution of complex fraud and cyber offences, while also serving as the operational centre of the City of London Police. Together, the buildings are designed to improve collaboration between investigators, prosecutors, and partners across the justice system.

The City of London Police already has a strong track record in tackling financial crime through close public-private partnerships. Last year alone, these collaborations helped prevent £55.5 million in losses across the financial sector. Its Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit has stopped an estimated £800 million in fraud since it was established, highlighting the force’s national and international impact.

Education and capability building are also central to the force’s work. Over the past three years, its Economic and Cyber Crime Academy has trained more than 3,500 professionals, helping to upskill police forces across the country with specialist knowledge needed to investigate increasingly sophisticated economic and cyber crime.

This focus on quality policing has been reflected in recent inspections. In 2025, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services graded the City of London Police as “outstanding” for crime recording and “good” for investigations and response, recognising its victim-focused approach and high standards of operational delivery.

Beyond policing, the Salisbury Square scheme is a flagship regeneration project supporting the City Corporation’s “Destination City” strategy, which aims to ensure the Square Mile remains globally competitive. A safe and secure environment is seen as essential to attracting businesses and investment, particularly in a world where digital threats pose growing risks to economic stability.

The wider development will also deliver significant public realm improvements. Plans include a new commercial building offering sustainable Grade A office space, the sensitive conversion of a listed building into a hospitality venue, and the creation of a new public square. These enhancements will introduce more green and open space, improve pedestrian routes, and open up views of St Bride’s Church spire.

Together, the new police headquarters, justice facilities, and surrounding public spaces are intended to reinforce the City of London’s reputation as a secure, innovative, and attractive global business hub — protecting not only the Square Mile, but the wider UK economy as well. 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.” 

Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke, said: 

“The City of London Police uniquely combine dedicated local policing for the City with national leadership in tackling fraud. No other UK police service matches its specialist expertise or national reach in combatting economic crime. The Police HQ will ensure the Square Mile has the best facilities to fight complex financial crime and ensure City of London Police remains a modern, efficient and effective police service, which is important for the UK's prosperity and economic security.

“By protecting the world’s premier financial district while leading the UK’s response to fraud, the City of London Police play a vital role in supporting economic growth. Investment in bespoke facilities at Salisbury Square reflects an exceptional partnership between the City of London Corporation and policing, delivering lasting national benefit at no cost to taxpayers.” 

City of London Police Commissioner Pete O’Doherty said:

“I’m excited for the benefits this new headquarters will realise for our officers and staff and those we serve in the Square Mile and beyond in our role as National Lead Force for fraud and cyber crime.

“Having modern, purpose-built facilities that help ensure the health and wellbeing of staff and will allow us to deliver on our Policing Plan priorities to keep people in the City safe, improve the national response to fraud, economic and cyber crime, and secure positive outcomes for victims.

“Reaching this milestone is a reminder that behind the steel and concrete, is a shared commitment to our staff and our public as we continue to put victims at the heart of everything we do. This building is a tribute to their professionalism, dedication and service to the public.” Photo by cityoflondon.gov.uk.