Plans to build a new Magistrates Court and Police station in Hamilton took a step closer this week then a planning application was submitted.

Government announced in last year's budget that it was building the new $11 million complex.

The five-storey complex on Court and Victoria Street will include five new courts, a family court, and a Police station with an improved holding area for prisoners.

The building, which Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Terry Lister said last year would take years to complete, will also have a floor for general Government use.

The Progressive Labour Party has pledged to move towards more Government ownership of buildings in Hamilton to cut down on rental costs.

It is expected that the government will announce that the project will get a portion of its total cost in tomorrow's budget speech.

Just $5 million was set aside in last year's budget but the building is set to rise in the near future as more cash is released.