A new £3 million fire station will bring firefighters, police officers and council workers together in a move thought to be one of the first of its kind in the country.

The new station is set to be built on land purchased by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in Meeching Road in Newhaven.

East Sussex Fire Authority chairman councillor Phil Howson said the “one stop shop” with Sussex Police and Lewes District Council would be the future of emergency service facilities in the county with all three facing restricted budgets in upcoming years.

The fire service say 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.

Newhaven’s Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to be based at the current South Road Police Station until the new community hub is up and running.

The project is being joint funded by all three authorities and it was hoped during talks that South East Coast Ambulance Service would also be involved with the project.

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

An exhibition of the new plans will be held on Saturday March 8 in Newhaven.

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 and 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.”

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. “ The exhibition will be on show at The Hillcrest Community Centre, Hill Crest Road in Newhaven on Saturday March 8between 10am and 3pm.

Plans will also be on display in the town’s library in Newhaven High Street.

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

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