TAVISTOCK's Victorian police station has been sold to the Devon Historic Buildings Trust to develop the building for community use, it was this week announced­­.

Police will remain in the building until a new purpose-built police station is constructed at Abbey Rise.

The work on the new station is expected to start later in the year with completion in 18 months time.

Police said in a statement to the Times that an agreement had been reached with Devon Historic Buildings Trust to take on the responsibility for the fabric of the current building.

The police have long said that the existing police station, built in the 1840s, can no longer provide sufficient useable space or facilities for policing in the 21st century. 

It is inefficient and increasingly expensive to run, costing up to five times more than a modern building.

The modern working environment and facilities of the planned building on the former Superwinch site will enable police to ensure the highest levels of public protection in the area.

The police believe it is ideal for a neighbourhood community police station, allowing good access to main roads and to the communities.

Patrol, community partnership, neighbour-hood and crime investigation teams will work together in open-plan offices, improving vital communication between each other.

The intention is to have a public reception in the existing building in the Guildhall complex to ensure a town centre presence.

A meeting room will also be available within the new building for community partners, so they too can benefit from the facility.

Although it is yet to be decided who will carry out the work, construction of the new station is planned to begin later this year with completion in the spring/summer of 2011.

Project executive Chief Superintendant Bickley said: 'The Police Authority is very conscious of the Force's historic association with the old station, the architectural heritage of the building and its importance to the people of Tavistock.

'As a result efforts have been made to ensure that the building will be well looked after into the future as well as retaining its links with the police and the community.'

The mayor of Tavistock David Whitcomb said: 'Since 1848 the Guildhall and associated buildings have stood in the very centre of Tavistock, serving the town by providing attrac-tive accommodation for magistrates and police.

'Early this century the majority of the building was closed off as a cost saving measure, and we are therefore now delighted to see the Devon Historic Buildings Trust take ownership of the buildings and the town council looks forward to working closely with the trust to see these old buildings once again become the jewel in the town centre.'

Debbie Parnall of the Devon Historic Buildings Trust said the trust was pleased with the move.

She said: 'The police will continue from the premises in the current format for the next 18 months and during this period, DHBT will undertake a feasibility study, with conservation architects, to look at the future of the buildings.'

Ms Parnall said the trust would work closely with partners including the town and borough councils, the chamber of commerce and English Heritage during this time.

The DHBT charity, formed in 1973 as a joint initiative by Devon Conservation Forum and Devon County Council, acquires buildings of historic or architectural merit which might otherwise be demolished or allowed to collapse, to restore them for appropriate current use.