THE site of a former police headquarters has been sold to a housing developer in a multi-million pound deal.

The former Durham Police headquarters at Aykley Heads in Durham has been sold to house-builders Persimmon Homes for an undisclosed sum, understood to be more than £20m.

Property consultants Bilfinger GVA said that, acting on behalf of the Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg, it had successfully concluded the sale of the site by tender.

Income from the sale will more than cover the £14m cost of the force’s new-purpose-built headquarters, which opened nearby in August 2014.

The 27.4-acre site has outline planning permission for 230 homes with associated access, landscaping and open space, on the southern part of the site where the now-demolished headquarters complex once stood.

The northern section of the site could potentially be home to more houses in the future.

Bilfinger GVA director Ray Minto said: “This was a complicated and challenging instruction requiring the demolition of the old police headquarters and the relocation of a Grade II-listed telecommunications mast.

“This prime city centre development opportunity, as anticipated attracted strong interest from national house builders”.

He added: “The obstacles which arose in finalising this major disposal were overcome through a strong working partnership established between police and crime commissioner and the successful bidder, Persimmon Homes.”

Mr Hogg said: “I am pleased that the sale has been agreed, which will help to protect and create jobs in the construction industry and also increase the number of much-needed houses in the area”.

“The income from the sale of the site more than covered the cost of building the brand-new Durham Police HQ at Aykley Heads.

“What it has allowed us to do is build a new headquarters fit of the 21st century. It is a massive win all round.”

Mr Hogg added the sale also gave the force a “sound financial reserve”.

Persimmon Homes Durham has started marketing the development under the name Aykley Woods.

Sales and marketing director Christine Cooper said: “We have been delighted with the response from buyers at our Aykley Woods development since it launched last weekend.

“With a choice of apartments and three, four and five- bedroom homes, this development is perfect for first-time buyers and growing families.”