HAMPSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary are aiming to share their strategic headquarters.

Over the past couple of years the two organisations have successfully co-located police officers and staff into shared facilities within HFRS buildings, including Stockbridge fire station.

Both organisations have submitted bids for Government funding to make the collaboration happen.

Hampshire Constabulary today heard it had been successful in its bid for around £1m from the Home Office’s Police Innovation Fund.

The move will see around 100 senior police officers and support staff based at the new strategic headquarters at HFRS’s Leigh Road office, which is located right next to the M3 with rapid transport access across the county.

The force’s operational HQ will remain in Winchester, at Mottisfont Court in Winchester.

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes said: “Collocating senior police officers and support staff from Hampshire Constabulary with Hampshire Fire and Rescue is key to the successful delivery of my policing estate strategy.

“It is only by investing in jointworking initiatives such as this that I will be able to protect people and places locally while ensuring that the police’s estate is cost-effective and fit for purpose despite significant economic challenges.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, said: “This is another example of how Hampshire's emergency services are leading the way.

“We all have to be prepared to think differently if we are to maintain a high level of service to the public and make the savings we need to.”