A property developer has announced plans to turn a former Orpington police station into apartments. 

Berkeley Homes bought the Homefield Rise site in February and revealed on Wednesday (Oct 8) it - subject to planning permission - will begin work in early 2015.

The property has been vacant since late 2013 following the Metropolitan Police’s decision to close it.

The company says it will build a "high quality, mixed use development", with 83 new homes made up of one and two bedroom flats and a retail unit for shops or cafe.

Managing director of Berkeley Homes (eastern counties) Peter Smith said: "This new site is extremely well located, close to both the town centre and Orpington station. 

"With a current housing shortage in the borough of Bromley, our new development will help to address the shortfall by creating a significant number of new homes in the area."

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Berkeley Homes said Orpington town centre is undergoing "an exciting transformation" and submitted a planning application for the project to the London Borough of Bromley on August 22.

Orpington High Street is one of more than 50 public spaces to receive funds from the Mayor of London’s Great Outdoors initiative, which has given £220 million in the hope of improving areas of the capital. 

Mr Smith added: "With so much regeneration in the area, and excellent rail links into London, we anticipate that the new homes will attract a wide range of buyers, including first time buyers and professionals who work in the capital." 

Berkeley also said it is working with the NHS to include a health centre as part of the scheme.

News Shopper: Elsewhere in Orpington, Odeon’s seven-screen cinema is set to open later this year - part of a larger project featuring restaurants and retail units. 

The town’s Walnuts Shopping Centre, much in need of modernisation, is also said to be receiving £15 million over the next few years. 

To see the detailed plans and application in full go here.