Cowbridge Police Station was built in 1862, with possible additions c.1900. A two-storey building of grey coursed stone, contrasting buff ashlar dressings, quoins and bands. The central projecting block (hipped roof) has 2 pairs of camber-headed windows on first floor, and 3 round-arched windows to ground floor. Single-storey lobby to each side with round-headed doorway to sides. The police station was built by a Mr. M. Moore at a price of £1,516, and the new building was completed in 1862. The building represents a relatively early example of a purpose-built police station, following the passing of the 1856 County and Borough Police Act which had stipulated the design, building, and maintenance of purpose-built police buildings, and ensured a national coverage of police stations to supplement the earlier County Police Act of 1839 which had established paid County Police forces.
Proposals were made in July 2024 to alter the Grade II Listed police station and convert into residential apartments, along with the demolition of the 1960s-built Magistrates Court to rear of the police station.
M. Powel, RCAHMW. August 2024.
Sources: OS Historic mapping; 'Cowbridge Police Station, Westgate, early 1900s', Publisher Ref. chs03816, People's Collection Wales; 'Cowbridge Police Station, Westgate, 1999', Publisher Ref. chs04240, People's Collection Wales; Cadw Listing Summary ref.22293; Law and Government Buildings: Listing Selection Guide, Historic England (2017), pp.10-12; 'Heritage Impact Assessment: Cowbridge Police Station, Westgate, Glamorgan', SLR Consulting (July 2024).