Work starts this month at Tavistock College to construct a competition-standard athletics track, a full size all-weather football pitch and redevelopment of the sports centre, including an activity hall, air conditioned dance studio and fitness suite, upgraded and additional changing rooms, a new reception area and community cafeteria.
The outside facilities are due to be completed this autumn, with the indoor facilities opening next summer.
College principal Colin Eves said: 'I am thrilled that after two years' hard work these projects are now being constructed, and will provide facilities of the quality our local community deserves.
'We will be able to host team games fixtures throughout the year under the two floodlit pitches and better meet the demands for indoor facilities for activities as wide ranging as dance, archery, carpet bowling, aikido and any other interests that come from the community.
'We would not be proceeding without the support of all our partners — regardless of the size of their financial contribution.
'Many of the larger contributions were made due to the commitment shown by the community in running the Bedford Mile in April 2006. Thousands, young and old alike, ran a mile along the Plymouth Road, raising in excess of £40,000.
'Fifteen local sports clubs are already signed up to the Sports Hub that will operate from the facility. Funds have also been granted to appoint a development officer to support the development of activities to increase participation in activity across the community and help develop the more talented to enable them to progress to the highest levels.'
The scheme has been funded by a broad partnership, including Tavistock College, Devon County Council, Sport England, the Football Foundation, the National Sports Foundation, Kelly College, Tavistock Athletic Club, West Devon Borough Council and Tavistock Town Council, alongside local community fundraising.
Mr Eves said: 'We are grateful to everyone who has been involved in the development of the scheme but special mention should be made of Phil de Glanville from Sport England for his advice and support, Devon County Councillors Brian Greenslade, John Smith and Roy Connolly, Mark Steed the headteacher at Kelly College, Martin Exley and Allan Herdman from Tavistock Athletic Club and in particular Jan Scaffold and Tony Gilbert from Tavistock College who have undertaken work on the finance, business and construction elements of the project.'
Devon County Council Leader, Cllr Brian Greenslade, said: 'This superb new sports facility in Tavistock will enable local children and young people of all ages to get involved in a wide variety of activities, sports and dance.'
Tavistock's County Councillor Roy Connelly said: 'It is wonderful to see this fantastic proposal come to fruition — and I was delighted to be able to secure the £250k needed to complete the funding, through the Invest in Devon programme. This was the final piece in the jigsaw, and it is gratifying to see this money invested in a way that reaches the heart of local communities – which was the intention.
'I would also like to pay tribute to Colin Eves and the role the college played in facilitating this highly significant project of which they should be justly proud.'