Merseyside Police Hunt Construction Crew Linked to 1970s Station Rebuild
Merseyside Police have launched an unusual search for the original builders behind St Anne Street Station, constructed over 50 years ago. The station has just reopened after a major refurbishment, and officers want to track down members of the Cubitts construction team—particularly those known as ‘Swooper,’ ‘Smiler,’ and the mysterious ‘Boss’—who might hold secrets about the site’s creation.
Time Capsule Uncovers a 1971 Construction “Crime”
The hunt began when workers found a time capsule concealed within the building during renovations. Inside was a confession note hinting at a “crime” committed during the station’s construction—a tantalising mystery that has Police buzzing with curiosity. Also tucked in were relics like a newspaper from October 29, 1971, the day British MPs voted by a 112 majority to join the European Union.
Star-Studded Reopening Ceremony Celebrates History and Modern Makeover
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Chief Constable Serena Kennedy will officially reopen the station alongside Lord Lieutenant Mark Blundell. The event will honour officers and staff from when St Anne Street first opened in 1972. Mounted police will welcome the dignitaries before handing over the keys and declaring the site officially operational once again.
State-of-the-Art Police Hub with a Nod to History
- Refurbishment kicked off in April 2021, revamping the station into a slick five-storey building with a new floor and open-plan spaces
- Equipped with modern AV tech, the site can now house 450 officers and support units like Local Policing, Vulnerable People’s Unit, Investigations, Fingerprints, and Economic Crime Team
- Its façade echoes the stylish look of the new Rose Hill HQ, lending a sleek, unified face to Merseyside Police
- Eco-friendly upgrades include insulated cladding, LED lights, solar panels, and electric car chargers, backing the force’s green goals
The £ multi-million overhaul is part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s 12-year Estate Strategy to modernise facilities and boost frontline crime-fighting capabilities. With the new station ready, senior officers are packing up from their temporary homes at Canning Place and Smithdown Lane, ready to settle in for the long haul.
Leaders Hail Modern Police Facilities and Local Impact
Emily Spurrell said: “Finding the time capsule was a thrilling blast from the past. Modernising our stations is vital for the police to protect our communities effectively.”
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy added: “We need accessible, cost-effective stations that empower officers and staff to deliver top-notch service.”
Local pride runs deep, with nearly half of the refurbishment workforce pulled from Merseyside. The project created nine new jobs and offered four apprenticeships—adding up to more than 330 apprentice weeks on site.
Louise Daville from top contractor ISG told us: “We’re proud to have played a part in transforming St Anne Street Station and leaving a lasting legacy through job creation and apprenticeships.”
