During the state election campaign in March, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson promised a full redevelopment of the station – and, during a tour yesterday, the signoff for a facelift was given.

“I had a good chance to see what was frustrating – the disconnect of the police operations in the building itself, the age, the wear and tear with the facility,” Acting Premier and Police Minister Troy Grant said.

“We look forward to seeing the plans with what they come up with, and then we will know a timeframe for when the project will get under way. Shovels will be turned and the work will be done.”

The government won’t put a price tag on the redevelopment, but it’s looking at options to temporarily relocate the station when work finally gets under way.

“Police Properties will work with the local association and local officers out there to meet the needs.

“We’ve got a few options to examine,” Mr Grant said.

But both Mr Grant and the police commissioner have ruled out a 24-hour police station.

“The crime statistics simply don’t support it. The great news is that the police work done by the Oxley LAC and the Gunnedah police has been fantastic,” Mr Grant said.

“Crime is down, they’ve got some record results.

“The building and the capital works we’re putting in there future-proofs that for enhanced capacity later on.”