THIS is the first glimpse of Bolton's new multi-million pound police headquarters.

The artist's impression shows how the 4,000 metre square building in Burnden will look once it is finished in 2003.

The exact cost of the new station has not been disclosed, but it is part of a £81.5m scheme which will see 16 other police buildings developed across the county.

It is hoped work will also begin next year on a new deployment centre at Middlebrook in Horwich.

This will be 442 metre square with a further 2,500 metre square area for parking.

The exact location can not be revealed as negotiations over the land are on going.

The new sub divisional headquarters will replace the existing Bolton central station on Le Mans Crescent.

Standing on the former site of Burnden Park, off Scholey Street, the modern new structure will feature a front pavilion entrance and a 3,000 metre square garden and parking area.

It is hoped building could start by August 2001 and staff will be able to move in by the end of 2003.

The company chosen by Greater Manchester Police as the preferred bidder, Equion, has worked on the Ministry of Defence's main building in Whitehall, and a firearms and public order facility for the Metropolitan Police.

It is working on 22 police buildings across the country.