February 27 2014.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) has purchased land in Meeching Road, Newhaven for the development of a new fire station. The building is part of an integrated joint project with Sussex Police and Lewes District Council aimed to deliver a range of public services to residents in the Newhaven area.

Plans are currently being developed for the site and as part of this process local people are being invited to view and comment on these at an exhibition being held on Saturday 8 March in Newhaven.

The new building will replace the currently dated fire station at Fort Road and supports both Lewes District Council and Sussex Police plans for the future.

East Sussex Fire Authority chairman councillor Phil Howson said: "By working together and sharing facilities, it aims to deliver significant savings to each organisation, both in terms of build and future running costs. The project will also enable better working partnerships to be forged between the partners and improved local facilities for the people of Newhaven."

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne said: "This is an exciting project as the collaboration of emergency services will undoubtedly become more important to police forces in the future.

"The plans for a purpose-built building in a prime location will be a first in Sussex and I believe it will be of great benefit to the Newhaven community.

"How people now access police services has significantly changed and I want to make the best use of resources and ensure Sussex Police has buildings that maximise the use of the right technology and are easily accessible for the public. Newhaven residents will be some of the first to benefit from this.

"I've pledged not to remove a service or facility before a similar or better alternative for the public is put in place."

Lewes district commander, Chief Inspector Rob Leet, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Newhaven's Neighbourhood Policing Team and our local partners to provide a joined up service. We'll continue to be in the heart of the local community, making our services accessible and convenient. Working alongside partners is just one example of how Sussex Police is changing over the next few years to improve service for members of the public."

The town's Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will continue to be based at South Road Police Station until this new community hub is up and running.

Lewes District Council is keen to enhance the range of services that can be easily accessed by residents of Newhaven. This new facility will enable our "one stop shop" to deliver what our customers want.

The planning application is due to be submitted in April and, as part of this process, local people will have the chance to view the proposals and ask questions.

The exhibition will be on show at The Hillcrest Community Centre, Hill Crest Road, Newhaven, BN9 9EA on Saturday 8 March between 10am and 3pm. Plans will also be on display in the library.

Details of the consultation and draft design impressions can also be viewed at: http://www.esfrs.org/newhavenproject

For further information or to respond to the consultation please contact Alice Smyth at alice.smyth@eastsussex.gov.uk