A long awaited sports pavilion could soon be coming to Okehampton, providing facilities for the whole community.

Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) has submitted a planning application for the new building, which would provide a multi-use sports pavilion with changing, storage and recreation facilities.

The pavilion would be shared between Okehampton College and the local community.

OCRA, the charity that aims to develop sporting and recreational opportunities in the Okehampton area, sees the building as a way of further enhancing sports provision in the town and encouraging more local people to take part in sport.

Stuart Lord from OCRA said: 'This pavilion will benefit a wide variety of sports in the local area by providing a joint facility, giving a central venue to help run events that will benefit the local population and draw people to Okehampton.

'The pavilion will also be available for use by arts, dance and music groups.

'This has all come about through the Okehampton Sports and Activity Hub project, which has so far delivered the all-weather pitch, improved cricket facilities, and the forthcoming playbuilder facilities in Simmons Park.

'The main chunk of the funding so far has come from Devon County Council, and as a charity we have been really grateful for the support we have received.'

Tim Capps, from Oxenham Consult, said around two thirds of the funding for the project was in place, but that more funding was being sought for this vital community project: 'As a local company, we are delighted to be involved with such a fantastic project.'

The new building will be constructed on college land between the all-weather pitch, rugby pitch, cricket square and tennis courts, with views across the entire playing field site.

An existing stone storage building will need to be demolished to make way for the pavilion.

Internally, the new building will feature a circular staircase connecting the two floors, with the ground floor consisting of changing rooms, showers, an office, refreshments bar and a first aid area.

The first floor will house two terraces for use by spectators, which will also be available for functions.

Externally, sections of the building will be faced with local stone and timber boarding, while the metal roof will house solar panels, which will make the most of the building's orientation.

Principal of Okehampton College Daryll Chapman said: 'We're really excited about this project. It will be an excellent facility for the entire community and something we can be really proud of.

'We already have fantastic sports facilities and this really will make a huge difference.'

Further information on the project is available at http://www.ocrasport.org.uk">www.ocrasport.org.uk