1910s police station, Maldon Police Station, West Square (EHER 49867)

Maldon Police Station was constructed in 1913 and its present form – particularly internally – is a mixture of original features and more recent alterations, undertaken in a piecemeal fashion as the requirements of policing changed over time. The building stands at the west end of the High Street overlooking West Square, Gate Street and the Grade II* Listed buildings of 1-3a High Street, acting as a focal point in the square and the immediate streetscape.

May 2022. Heritage assessment. Maldon Police Station was constructed in 1913 and its present form – particularly internally – is a mixture of original features and more recent alterations, undertaken in a piecemeal fashion as the requirements of policing changed over time. The building stands at the west end of the High Street overlooking West Square, Gate Street and the Grade II* Listed buildings of 1-3a High Street (EHER 38306), acting as a focal point in the square and the immediate streetscape. Prior to the construction of the Police Station the site was open land, bounded by yards and buildings to the north-east. Prior to the extant Maldon Police Station, the nearby Moot Hall (EHER 7720) was used as a police station from 1863, which was originally built in the 15th century. At the time of its construction, the station cost £2,535 11s 8d to construct. The building is two storeys with basement, and has a car park and single storey ancillary building to the rear. It is built from red bricks laid in an English Cross bond, finished with a sandy mortar. The door and window surrounds are stone, complemented by similar stone bands on the chimney stacks. The hip roof is covered with tile and finished with a simple modillion, and the Essex coat of arms sits centrally on the projecting front wing, flanked by two decorative stone scrolls. When originally constructed the principal access would have been by two doors leading into the entrance hall and front desk. The south-west facing door has at some point being blocked up. It is unclear as to why there were two entrances in such close proximity, particularly if they were in use at the same time. In addition, there appears to have been a further and wider recessed entrance to the northwest, on the stepped-back section of the frontage, which has since been replaced with a window. The rear of the property comprises a mainly single storey structure with an entrance on its northwest-facing elevation. The architectural style here is less decorative than at the front and sides. The eastern end of the property sits immediately adjacent to No. 1-3a High Street (EHER 38306), separated by a presently infilled alley. One of the notable features of the station building is the high number of entrances and exits to various parts of the property. It is likely that this is a reflection of the physical and social division of space within the station: the cell block for officers and people in custody; visitors at the front desk; private space for officers and; accommodation and living quarters – each having their own point of access. The ground floor of the station comprises the public area, including front desk, interview rooms and cell block, and private space, including office and administration rooms, stores and locker rooms. The building had three cells, which were holding cells not intended for keeping prisoners on remand, as well as the accommodation for one Inspector and three single police constables. Overall the ground floor is in a moderate state of preservation. There are internal features which can be attributed to the original early 20th century layout and construction, however, many of these features have been masked or overwhelmed by more recent alterations. The first floor comprises the private areas of the Station, including a mess, offices, washrooms and stores. The station was closed in 2017. <1>