Police and fire college project at Desertcreat, Cookstown halted

First announced in 2004, the troubled project was originally predicted to be finished by 2008 for around £80 million but projected costs have since spiralled to over £150

It is understood that more than £12m has already been spent buying the site and on design fees.

The steering group in charge of the project has said concerns about the current financial environment mean it “would not be prudent to press ahead”.

Last month, the Chief Constable George Hamilton added fresh doubt to the now doomed project, when he said: “We obviously need to review everything in light of the developing financial crisis frankly, so that will be looked at,” he said.