The station was built to replace the nearby Ladywell Police Station and was one of four stations procured under a private finance initiative (PFI) between the Metropolitan Police Authority and Equion (part of the John Laing Group).

The contract was signed in October 2001, and was valued at £120 million, of which Lewisham accounted for approximately £30 million.

[1] Construction began on 26 November 2001, on the site of the old Army & Navy Store on Lewisham High Street, and the new building was topped-out on 17 July 2002.

It was official opened by Sir John Stevens, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, on 16 April 2004.

[2] The station is the largest purpose-built police station in Europe, and contains the largest custody suite in the Metropolitan Police, as well as stables for 36 police horses and a multi-storey car park.