The city of Lilburn is relocating its police department and courts.

The new site, on Lawrenceville Highway, means a more visible police presence on one of the city’s major thoroughfares, the city said in a statement.

It also frees up land in Old Town Lilburn, which has been a target for redevelopment. The city has realigned roads to make the historic downtown more accessible and there are plans for new construction in the area. A new city hall and county library are under construction.

The new police and courts site, at 4572 Lawrenceville Highway, is next to the Lilburn Commons office complex. The property, which is nearly 10 acres, will cost $1 million and be funded by last year’s public safety special purpose local option sales tax.

“Our current headquarters building is too small and in need of constant repair,” Lilburn police chief Bruce Hedley said in a statement. “The department needs a larger and up-to-date facility so we can better serve our citizens and visitors.”