Washington police officers find new home years after closure of old station to the public

Despite being closed to the public a number of years ago, the building next to the Galleries in Washington remained in the possession of Northumbria Police.

Earlier this year 2025 they confirmed plans to sell the Washington Police Station site due to the ageing building no longer being fit for purpose and requiring significant investment – which would not offer value for money.

Today (December 12) Northumbria Police have confirmed officers in Washington now have a new home after partnering with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service by relocating the Neighbourhood Policing Team to Washington Community Fire Station.

Area Commander for Sunderland Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said: “I’m delighted to announce our relocation to Washington Community Fire Station.

“Our main priority has always been to ensure our Neighbourhood Policing Team remained in the heart of Washington.

“We’re committed to providing a proactive policing service to our community and being there when they need us – and this move will ensure just that.

“We’ve seen similar partnership working thrive in other areas of Sunderland such as Silksworth and the City Centre – so I’m confident this relocation will also demonstrate positive results.

“Washington Police Station is an old building which is no longer fit for purpose and would require considerable investment if we were to retain the site.

“It is important that we are providing our communities with value for money and we want to direct the resources we do have available into operational policing to keep our communities safe.”

Chief Fire Officer Peter Heath, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This move is another excellent example of how emergency services are working together to serve our communities.

“By welcoming Northumbria Police into Washington Community Fire Station, we are making best use of public resources while strengthening relationships between our teams.

“We’ve already seen the benefits of similar co‑locations across Tyne and Wear, and I’m confident this partnership will deliver the same positive outcomes for Washington."

Phil Tye, Chair of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, added: "This co‑location shows our commitment to working together for safer, stronger communities.

“By sharing facilities with Northumbria Police, we’re making best use of public resources while ensuring local people benefit from joined‑up, accessible services."

Washington Police Station has not been open to members of the public for a number of years – and this will continue to be the case at the new base.

Relocation is due to take place in 2026 with a date to be confirmed in due course.