Plans have been submitted for the multimillion pound refurbishment of Purley Fire Station.

The proposed development is part of a £57m private finance initiative which will provide nine new fire stations across London, due to existing stations, including Purley, failing to meet current standards.

Plans are expected to go in front of Croydon Council's planning committee for approval in December.

The station is set to close for refurbishment in 2014, with the Purley crew moving to Mitcham Fire Station, which is also being rebuilt in 2013.

The new building will have three floors and will include a community space which will be used to give fire safety advice and education to the public.

It will have enough room to accommodate two fire appliances, a new washdown area, operational accommodation including station office and equipment stores, a lecture room and a gymnasium.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) held a public consultation in June to allay fears that residents will suffer a depleted service when the fire station closes for refurbishment in 2014.

One concern was whether the closure of the station will leave Purley with a longer fire response time due to the crew being based in Mitcham.

But LFB bosses told those concerned that there will always be a fire engine in the vicinity and the Purley crew will continue to carry out their fire checks in the community.

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Andy Hickmott said: “Our plans to rebuild Purley fire station have now been submitted to the council for consideration and we are looking forward to agreeing the way ahead for the next stage of this project.

"The aim is to further improve the fire and rescue service we are able to offer the people of Croydon.

"The rebuilt state-of-the-art facility will not only provide a fire station with better training provision for firefighters, but community facilities which will allow members of the public to more easily access vital life saving fire safety advice.”

Borough Commander Chris Bigland said: "This is a really exciting time. We are here for the long haul. We are committed here now for at least 30 years, which is a whole generation."

Outline planning permission for the demolition of the existing buildings and the erection of a new three storey fire station on the site was granted February 2008.