A MULTI-million pound fire brigade headquarters is set to replace an existing building which is falling into disrepair.

Hartlepool residents are being invited to preview plans for the redevelopment of Cleveland Fire Brigade’s current nerve centre located on the outskirts of the town at Queens Meadow Business Park.

The new £12m facility will provide a learning and development centre, external training resources, administration and management services and a technical resource centre.

Architectural drawings and artist’s impressions will be available to view on Monday 20 October at its existing headquarters between 4pm and 7pm.

Chief Fire Officer, Ian Hayton said, “This development at our Queens Meadow site is vital to ensure that we can continue to provide the high standard of fire and rescue services that Teesside residents and businesses need in the 21st century.

“We also need to avoid the heavy costs of repairing and maintaining existing buildings that will soon be un-fit for purpose.

“This will be a Centre of Excellence for our firefighters with technical services provision to ensure all our equipment is maintained in top condition.”

Chair of Cleveland Fire Authority Brian Briggs said, “I would encourage the local community to come along and have their view on the proposed plans for the redevelopment of the Queens Meadow complex and see not only what fantastic facilities it will hold but also the benefits it will have on the community and local businesses.

A gym and a restaurant will open within the complex which can be used by other Queens Meadow Business Park occupiers.

Cleveland Fire Authority is in discussions with Cleveland Police and Hartlepool Borough Council with the prospect of their staff making use of the purpose-built facilities.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, Barry Coppinger, added: “Both myself and the chief constable are supportive of the plans and welcome the opportunity of developing proposals with Cleveland Fire Brigade and Hartlepool Borough Council for shared training opportunities.”

A two-storey building is set to be constructed and its existing seven acre site would be enlarged by 2.7 acres, purchased primarily for additional landscaping. It is planned that construction of the first phase will start in April 2015 taking approximately 12 months.

The new hub is part of a major re-build programme that includes four new community fire stations at Middlesbrough, Headland, Thornaby and Grangetown. It will be financed from Cleveland Fire Authority’s reserve funds and government grants.

To view the consultation and leave comments on the proposals visit www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/queens-meadow