THE site of the former police station in Eastleigh could be turned into a care home, the Daily Echo can reveal.

As previously reported, the police station in Leigh Road shut earlier this month as the building was deemed outdated and no longer fit for purpose.

Now it has been confirmed that an 80-bedroom care home could be created on the site bringing 80 new jobs to the town.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC) next month.

But Hamberley Development has confirmed it will be responsible for the scheme which could see the building of the former police station turned into care apartments and community facilities such as a cafe.

According to the company, an 80-bedroom care home would be built at the back of the former police station along with nine residential apartments.

The firm said the final drawings have not been decided yet.

Daniel Kay, director of Hamberley Development, said: “There is a clearly identified unmet care need in Eastleigh and this site presents a wonderful opportunity to deliver a first-class luxury care service for local people while creating approximately 80 jobs.

“We want to retain the community aspect of this location and ensure the home is an integral part of the local area.

“By providing dementia support groups, cinema clubs and through supporting local causes and inviting groups to use the home as a meeting venue, our doors will always be open.”

If plans will be given the green light, the care home will be operated by Hamberley Care Homes.

When asked if Hamberley Development has already bought the site, a spokesman for the company said the purchase is subject to planning.

The plans have been welcomed by councillor Keith House, borough council leader.

He said: “No plans have yet been submitted to the council for the police station site but if the police are not going to use it then a care home is a good use for the site as it will be close to shops and the park and to local doctors. “

However, Cllr House said the new police offices at the Shakespeare Business Centre, in Hathaway Close, do not give the local community the assurance it needs that the police are there to help keep people safe.

He had previously stressed the need of having a police presence in the town centre.

Police and crime commissioner Michael Lane defended the new site saying the move would keep the police close to the centre of Eastleigh.