POLICE cells could soon be replaced by cinema screens, a library or even an arts college in Swindon town centre.

The site of the central police station, on Fleming Way, will be at the heart of the town's new cultural quarter.

The South West of England Regional Development Agency has bought the site, for an undisclosed amount, on behalf of the New Swindon Company, which is responsible for the town's regeneration.

Philip Watkins, the South West RDA's head of operations for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "The purchase of the police station is an exciting step forward in the regeneration of Swindon.

"New cultural and leisure activities will boost the economy of the area as well as providing the people of Swindon with improved amenities.

"We are pleased to be playing an active role in supporting The New Swindon Company as a funding partner and in realising the full potential of the town centre."

The police station, which was for sale because the police authority is moving to a new site at Stratton St Margaret, is within the New Swindon Company's Promenade area earmarked as a new cultural centre for Swindon.

It is not known what will be built on the site but a mix of cultural and leisure facilities, homes cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as a new library and the University of Bath's Institute of Contemporary Interdisciplinary Arts are all planned for the Promenade area, which stretches up Princes Street to Swindon College. Peter Andrews, Chief Executive of The New Swindon Company, said: "The purchase of this key site is very positive progress in the town's regeneration.

"It is a gateway site, very prominent as you come into the town centre."

He said the New Swindon Company will appoint master planners for the Promenade in the coming months and will consult the public on the plans in late summer.

The South West RDA has leased the station back to Wiltshire Police Authority until August this year when it moves into its new site.

Brian Ford, chairman of the finance committee of the police authority and a Swindon councillor, said: "I am delighted that our sale of the old headquarters will contribute to the regeneration.

"We will maintain a strong presence in the town centre, opening our new policing point at Linden Court when we vacate the old site."

The Promenade is one of seven major projects for the town centre.

Alan Hayward of the Swindon Civic Trust, which wants a university campus in the town centre, said it was a 'very positive move'.

He said it showed it was possible to free up space in the town centre, which could be used for a university.

"We still maintain that the town centre needs a unique selling proposition," he said.

"We urge Swindon Council and the New Swindon Company to think again about how they are going to use this land."

Isabel Field