Council Relocation
Janu19
The move will drive down costs by a predicted £200,000 a year and enable the Council to provide improved services to the public.
The move forms part of the overall regeneration of the Moat Lane area. The facilities will include a public conference centre, library and Registrars office as well as office space. In addition, people will be able to access services from South Northamptonshire Council (SNC), Northamptonshire County Council and other public bodies all in one place.
The Council’s savings come from moving to a much more cost effective building. In particular, the current Springfields site is currently rated G in terms of energy efficiency whereas the new building will be A rated.
Councillor Andrew Wilby, SNC Portfolio Holder for Community, Engagement said: “This is excellent news for the district and is being recognised as one of the best market town regeneration projects in the country”.
County and Towcester Mill ward councillor, Andrew Wilby, said: “Consolidating County Council services such as the library and registry office into the town centre alongside SNC services makes huge sense in both quality and cost so everyone should welcome this development.”
The Moat Lane project has received investment from the East Midland Development Agency, Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, Northamptonshire County Council and South Northamptonshire Council.
An outline planning application for the Moat Lane scheme will go to the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation in the next few months. During 2010 the Council will seek to find a development partner to begin the detailed design and construction stage of the scheme. The relocation to the new office will take place within three years.