Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, Alan Duncan MP, will formally open West Suffolk House, the new offices on Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, which are shared by St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Suffolk County Council on 10 July.
The formal opening comes at the end of an 'Open House' week when members of the public are invited to take a tour of the building and see behind the scenes. Joining Alan Duncan will be former Conservative Party Chairman and Cabinet member Lord Tebbit, who is moving to Bury St Edmunds in July.
Tours are taking place from 6-9 July and are open to anyone but need to be booked in advance by emailing sara.armitage@stedsbc.gov.uk or calling 01284 757686. The times are:
- Monday 6 July, 10.30am and 2.30pm
- Tuesday 7 July, 10.30am and 6.30pm
- Wednesday 8 July, 10.30am and 2.30pm
- Thursday 9 July, 10.30am and 6.30pm
West Suffolk House Joint Committee Chairman, Cllr Nigel Aitkens, said:
"West Suffolk House is an innovative building which is set to save Council Tax payers hundreds of thousands of pounds a year through sharing costs across two councils. Apart from shared facilities and, in some cases, staff, the building is also saving significant energy costs through 'green' ways of heating and cooling, for example. West Suffolk House gives people one point of contact instead of three different sites around town and simply having staff all together under one roof will have a real impact on services. I hope people take up the opportunity to come and see behind the scenes."
During the tours the public will find out about West Suffolk House's 'green' credentials, see where the savings in running costs are being made and get a feel for the way staff across both councils are working together to improve services. All areas are fully accessible for people with disabilities.
The formal opening will include invited guests from both councils and partner organisations. Following a presentation, Alan Duncan will be invited to unveil a new paving area by the front entrance which will incorporate the foundation stone of the original building on the site, the Barber-Greene factory.
Ends
Note:
Alan Duncan MP, Conservative MP since 1992, previously worked in the oil industry. A former Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and now Shadow Leader of the House of Commons.
Norman Tebbit, Baron Tebbit of Chingford, CH, PC. Conservative politician, and former MP for Chingford. Formerly Chairman of the Conservative Party, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Secretary of State for Employment.
