LONDON: Scotland Yard today moved out of their headquarters of 49 years after the central London base was sold to a Middle Eastern owner as part of a cost- cutting drive by the UK police.
The building, referred to as New Scotland Yard close to Victoria area in the city, will now be simply known as 10 Broadway after being sold for 370 million pounds as part of a cost-cutting drive.
The police force has relocated to a new, slimmed down premises nearby known as Curtis Green on the Victoria Embankment. It will now be known as New Scotland Yard with the famous revolving sign being moved to the new site.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Helen King said: "By selling this building and moving our headquarters to Curtis Green, we have been able to make savings to invest in frontline policing, improving the technological capability of the force and develop facilities like a brand new, state of the art police training centre in Hendon which was officially opened this month."
"This is a significant and exciting move for us and marks a new era of policing for the MPS," he added.
The old premises have now been officially handed over to its new Abu Dhabi owners amid plans to redevelop the site into luxury apartments, offices and shops, 'Evening Standard' reported.
The UK National Police Air Service tweeted: "Today @metpoliceuk left New Scotland Yard #London for the final time. Some great memories. We wish you good luck in your new home #Police."
Around 600 staff will be based at the new headquarters, a significant reduction from the 3,500 that were at The Broadway. A formal ceremony to open the new building is due to take place in the New Year.