HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) – Shovels hit the ground Monday to begin construction on Hollywood’s new multi-million dollar public safety complex and fire station on the beach.

Replacing the city’s outdated Fire Station 40, the new 23,584 square foot facility will be built to withstand hurricane-force winds and plans to serve as a post for disaster preparation, as well as a recovery center on the beach.

The $7.9 million-dollar facility, which is located at 707 South Ocean Drive, will include three double apparatus bays along with a 45 space parking area.

The project will include the renovation and preservation of the vacant historical buildings at several locations on Madison Street.  Plans currently hold to convert the buildings into office space  to house staff from Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency.

Completion of the project is scheduled for late spring of 2012.