Twickenham MP Munira Wilson, who also represents residents throughout Teddington, has secured a major breakthrough in the campaign to ensure the disused former Teddington Police Station is retained for community use.

Last week, the Government tabled an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which could mean the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) can sell disused police stations for below their market value to developments that promote the good of the community. The Bill is currently in the process of going through the Lords.

The breakthrough marks an exciting moment for the Teddington community, with Ms Wilson and thousands of local residents having campaigned tirelessly for the sites' communal use since the police station was put up for sale by MOPAC in 2021. 

The proposal involves turning the derelict police station buildings into new social and affordable housing for local young people and keyworkers, as well as new premises for Park Road Surgery, a GP clinic currently housed in a Victorian building unsuitable for its 13,000 patients.

A previous council-backed bid for the former Teddington Police Station was turned down by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who claimed his hands had been tied by statute and that he must sell to the highest bidder. 

Last week's confirmation of government backing for Ms Wilson's proposal could now grant the Mayor new freedoms when disposing of police stations in London. This comes after Ms Wilson held several meetings with the now former Housing Minister, Lucy Frazer, and secured cross-party support for an amendment in the House of Commons in December.

Local MP Munira Wilson has been campaigning alongside residents fighting for the communal use of the site previously belonging to Teddington Police Station.

Reacting to the news of the government's backing, the Twickenham MP, said: "This is brilliant news for Teddington, and indeed for people across London who want to see public assets used for the benefit of the local community, rather than sold off to the highest bidder. 

"The Mayor of London can no longer claim his hands are tied by the law. When the Levelling Up Bill passes, it will be there in black and white. I'll continue to apply all the pressure I can to ensure he makes the right choice for the community, which means a new home for Park Road Surgery, and much-needed affordable housing for local residents. 

"A huge thanks to all of the Teddington residents who threw their support behind my campaign. It shows that, together, we can make a difference!"

Currently, the sale of Teddington Police Station has been paused whilst the Mayor of London seeks fresh legal advice on whether he can sell the site for below market value. The new law will make clear that he is able to do so.

Dr Nicky Grundy, a partner at Park Road Surgery, said it was "fantastic news" that Teddington police station did not have to be sold to the highest bidder.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said: "Park Road surgery needs the more modern premises the police station would offer so we can meet the needs of our patients.

"We continue to work with local housing associations and voluntary sector organisations to turn the site into a true hub to benefit the whole community."