Over the next few weeks workmen will prepare the site in Staffordshire to allow construction to begin.
Chair of the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust, Sir Hugh Orde said: “We have finally started on the journey of creating a fitting place to commemorate and remember those brave men and women from our Police service who have given so much. It is important that we never forget those who have paid that ultimate price.
“This was an ambitious project to raise £4.5million and we have had to overcome a number of hurdles along the way. Although we still have at least £500,000 to find, I am delighted that thanks to the generosity of the Government, the Police service, businesses, the public and individual donors we can start the work.”
The build of the new memorial will be completed throughout 2020 and will be dedicated and open to the public in the Spring of next year.
John Apter, Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “I welcome the news that ground clearing has begun for the new memorial to officers who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“It is only right and proper that we honour our courageous colleagues and the sacrifice that they have made.
“This new UK Police Memorial, which will complement the other memorials we have, will stand as a permanent monument to their heroism and dedication to duty, and a place of solace for their loved ones.”
The Memorial designed by Walter Jack has been created for personal acts of reflection by family and friends, as well as commemoration and dedication ceremonies, with lawn space for 1,500 people.
