POLICE are considering moving their Swansea headquarters from Cockett to a new out-of-town site at Velindre.

The base — on the site of the former tinplate works off the M4 motorway near Llangyfelach — would also house a new cell block and workshops for the division's fleet of vehicles.

The move is contained in the force's estates strategy, which could also see the force eventually moving its central base from Bridgend to Cardiff.

Russell Roberts, chairman of the South Wales Police Authority, said the strategy was designed to ensure "sustainable, affordable, quality accommodation of the right size, location and image".

He said: "We currently have the highest number of police owned premises of any force in Wales and England with the exception of the Metropolitan Police in London.

"The authority and force are looking at different options for the future development of our estate throughout South Wales.

"One of the options being considered is the potential relocation of the divisional headquarters in Swansea from its current location at Cockett to Velindre.

"As well as being the headquarters' site, it could also provide a location for new police custody cells and a fleet workshop site."

He added: "What we must stress, however, is that this is in the very early days of consideration, and no final decision has been made."

Since last summer the force has sold five police houses and disused stations — including a property in Glynneath — which have raised £624,000.

A further five properties — valued at £296,000 — are awaiting completion.

Among future sell-offs will be Reynoldston police house and office, Sketty police station, and a house in Trebanos in the Swansea Valley.

A meeting of the police authority's strategic planning group heard the force is currently facing a £30 million repair and maintenance bill for its estate of buildings.

The current Swansea base is on a cramped site on John Street, Cockett, next to Dylan Thomas Community School.

jason.evans@swwmedia.co.uk