PLANS for a multi-million pound new sports complex for Okehampton took a leap forward last week with the announcement that a crucial Lottery bid is being viewed favourably.
The Lottery Board and Sport England have finally announced they agree 'in principle' with West Devon Borough Council's application for a new centre in Simmons Park.
The project will include a four-lane 25-metre swimming pool, fitness suite, dance studio and sports hall capable of hosting competition events in a variety of sports.
David Inman, borough deputy chief executive, said: 'It will be good. We think Okehampton has the capacity where it is, slap bang in the middle of Devon, to be a significant sporting arena for the county as well as the area.
'The next stage is when the architects and the advisors from Sport England and the Lottery Board sit down and discuss the scheme in detail. They need to be satisfied, not about the principle of the thing but the absolute raw detail.'
Mr Inman said the project was still very much an ongoing process but ultimately the complex could prove a big draw for the immediate area and further afield.
'We think people will travel a fair distance to use the sports hall,' he added.
The borough council has suggested the sports centre be built at the northern tip of Simmons Park, on the current tennis court site and on land at Okehampton College.
Mr Inman said he hoped this phase of the bid could be completed within six months, with a view to getting on site in 2002 and seeing the complex finally open in 2003.
The Lottery application bid is for £2.3-million. The borough is putting £410,000 towards the scheme, the county council £150,000, Okehampton Town Council £60,000, Okehampton College £20,000, and Mid Devon Primary Care Group £13,000.
Cllr Christine Marsh, mayor of Okehampton, said: 'I'm thrilled it's got to the next stage and I hope it all goes ahead.
'We deserve this with a growing town. The pool we have has served us well but we have to look forward and look to the needs of the future generation.'
Chris Powell, headteacher at Okehampton College, said: 'I'm absolutely delighted. It's the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people, but we are not there yet.
'There's still a lot to be done. Obviously, the signs are positive, but we have to make sure all the partners work together to produce the very best facilities for the community and the college.'
Stuart Lord, OCRA leisure manager, said: 'It's fantastic, absolutely brilliant.
'I think a lot of people have put a in a lot of hard work over a long time to try and make things happen. It's finally within grasp and will just change what Okehampton has to offer in sport for the whole district.'
If the sports complex comes to fruition, Simmons Park will look quite different in years to come. The park, given to the town by benefactor Sidney Simmons in the early part of the last century, is also to undergo a complete refurbishment and facelift thanks to a £311,000 Heritage Lottery grant awarded last year.