The City of London Corporation and City of London Police today marked the ‘topping out’ of the new City of London Police headquarters at Salisbury Square – a defining moment in the delivery of world-class infrastructure to protect the City of London and support the force’s role as the National Lead Force for Fraud and Cyber Crime.  

Funded by a £600 million City Corporation investment, the Salisbury Square development brings together a state-of-the-art policing facility and a purpose-built justice quarter to strengthen the UK’s response to economic, cyber, and fraud offences. With architecture by Eric Parry Architects and construction led by Mace Construct, it is due to be completed in 2027. 

The topping out ceremony marks the completion of the building’s structural frame. It follows a similar event held back in September for the same development’s courts building, which will house 18 specialist courtroom facilities dedicated to economic and cyber crime cases and serve as the new operational heart of the City of London Police.  

The force has long-established public-private partnerships that saved the financial industry £55.5 million in losses last year, while its Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit has prevented £800 million worth of fraud since its creation. Its Economic and Cyber Crime Academy has trained over 3,500 people in the last three years, upskilling national policing with vital expertise to investigate economic and cyber crime.  

In 2025 the force was graded “outstanding” for crime recording and “good” for investigations and response by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) — a testament to its focus on victims and high-quality policing. 

The Salisbury Square development is a flagship project for the City Corporation and supports ‘Destination City’, the growth strategy for the Square Mile. A safe and secure environment for businesses is a significant draw for inward investment, supporting wider economic and productivity growth. Protecting this environment, by keeping those who work, live and visit the City of London safe on the streets and online is therefore of paramount importance to maintaining UK economic security; this is the key focus of the City of London Police. 

Significant public realm improvements around the site will also enable future growth. These include a new commercial building to provide much needed, sustainable Grade A office space, the sensitive transformation of a listed building into a new hospitality venue, and a public square offering enhanced green and open spaces, improved walking routes, and views of St Bride’s Church spire – reinforcing the Square Mile’s global business appeal. 

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.”

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