Two councils, one building, big savings and better services – that's the idea behind the move by the Bury St Edmunds-based services of St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Suffolk County Council to West Suffolk House.
The opening of the new landmark building in Western Way on Monday (30 March) marks the start of a new era with simpler access for customers to services provided by the two councils. West Suffolk House brings together staff from three sites – Borough Offices, St Edmundsbury House and Shire Hall – under one roof for the first time.
Councillor John Griffiths, St Edmundsbury Borough Council Leader, said: "This exciting move makes sense for everyone. It will improve services for Council Tax payers in St Edmundsbury by providing long term savings and better, more joined up services. We are looking forward to the move and the benefits it can provide for both our staff and customers.”
Councillor Jeremy Pembroke, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “We know from experience following our move to Endeavour House in Ipswich that a modern and flexible working environment can bring great benefits to the people for whom we provide services. I’m sure this is the start of a very exciting and positive partnership between our two councils.”
West Suffolk House provides the opportunity for the two authorities to work more closely together to provide better-coordinated, cost-effective local services. The move will reduce overheads as the new building will be much more efficient to maintain than the current older buildings and the two councils will be able to share facilities such as a reception area and meeting rooms.
There are also benefits for the environment – West Suffolk House has many ‘green’ features, which will reduce the carbon footprint of both councils. The building has been designed to be energy efficient, including solar panels which track sunlight providing around 25% of the hot water and a rainwater collection system to flush the toilets. A ground source heat pump will reduce energy costs and the building has been designed in a way that lets air circulate to avoid the need for mechanical – and costly – air conditioning.
The modern, open plan environment and single site will help staff to work together more easily which will benefit customers. For example, calls from people about the maintenance of street lighting or roads can easily reach the correct person as both county and borough transport staff will be working next to each other in West Suffolk House.
The move of services to West Suffolk House will happen over three weekends. West Suffolk House opens on Monday 30 March at 8.45am with services, including the benefits and planning services, from St Edmundsbury House moving across first. Borough Offices services, including environmental health, licensing and housing, will be in West Suffolk House from Monday 6 April (the Borough Offices on Angel Hill close on 3 April). Suffolk County Council’s Shire Hall offices in Raingate Street will close on 9 April with the final services moving across on Tuesday 14 April.
Both councils will be keeping their main switchboard numbers – St Edmundsbury’s is 01284 763233 and the county council’s is 01284 352000.
Ends
Note: There is a tour for media at 10am on 25 March – please get in touch if you want to be included.
Contacts
St Edmundsbury Borough Council:
Marianne Hulland, 01284 757034, 07958 470501, marianne.hulland@stedsbc.gov.uk
Suffolk County Council:
Sandra Graffham, 01473 264395, 07809 781202, sandra.graffham@comms.suffolkcc.gov.uk
