PLANS for a new police station and sports centre at Teignmouth Community College, costing nearly £6million, are well advanced.

The existing police station in Carlton Place has been sold to a developer, and a replacement operational centre, costing more than £2million, is to be built in the grounds of the former Mount Everest at the college.

A 'shop front' base, where members of the public can call in, is planned for the town centre, and it is understood negotiations are well advanced to take over an empty shop in the Wellington Street area.

A sports centre costing more than £3million is also earmarked for Mount Everest. Cllr John Smith, the county council's executive member for children and young people's services, said final details were now being negotiated, and he would be asking the executive committee later this month to release the money.

The sports centre was to have been a joint venture with Teignbridge Council to replace Broadmeadow, but the district council has not come up with any cash, so the building will be predominantly for college use.

Local sports clubs may be able to make block bookings outside college hours.

Cllr Smith, who lives in Teignmouth and represents the Kingsteignton ward, said the design would allow for expansion of the sports centre – which is almost identical to a much praised building at Uffculme School in East Devon – at a future date, if Teignbridge could provide funding.

The police station, which will accommodate officers and vehicles covering the Teignmouth and Dawlish area, will not be open to the public. Final details are now being tied up.

The existing police station will be converted into flats by developers, who a few years ago turned the former adjoining court house into apartments.

Cllr Smith, who is also chairman of the Devon & Cornwall Police Authority and deputy leader of the county council, said he welcomed such a large investment in Teignmouth.

'I am delighted to see both projects at the college coming together. These large injections of public spending in the town augers well for the future of the community.'