Washington police officers move into new home years after closure of old station to the public
The new station will still not be public facing
Neighbourhood police officers in Washington now have new home after officially moving into a new base at the town’s Community Fire Station.
In December (2025), Northumbria Police confirmed plans to sell their 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”.
However, they “committed to maintaining a presence within the town” and announced they would strengthen their partnership with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service by relocating to Washington Community Fire Station.
Yesterday (Thursday, May 14), the Neighbourhood Policing Team officially moved into the premises.
Despite Washington officers now having a new base, there will be some frustration amongst residents in the town as Northumbria Police confirmed their new home “will not be public facing”.
Area Commander for Sunderland, Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, said: “Our top priority has always been to maintain our policing presence in the heart of Washington.
“We are absolutely committed to providing the very best service possible to our communities and ensuring we are there when people need us.
“I also look forward to watching our partnership with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service strengthen as we continue to work together.”
The old Washington Police Station site has been secured while a buyer is sought.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall added: “The former Washington Police Station is an old building which was no longer fit for purpose and would have required considerable investment.
“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 people safe.”
Speaking ahead of the move, a Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “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."
Washington Police Station has not been open to members of the public for a number of years.