Changes ahead as new look Warwick Shire Hall takes shape

Construction work began last week at the Warwickshire County Council headquarters to develop the ground floor space, which will see more council services located together under one roof.

The refurbishment will include the relocation of Warwick library, and the availability of a wider range of registration services. Already at the site are Warwick police, the post office and Warwickshire County and Warwick District Councils under the Warwickshire Direct brand.

County council head of customer service Kushal Birla said: “From next year customers will be able to access a full range of registration services under one roof, this includes the registration of births, deaths and marriages. Currently the service is split between two sites, Riverside House in Leamington and Shire Hall.

“The relocation of Warwick library presents the opportunity to develop a modern library, serving the needs of existing and new library customers. Shire Hall will become a real community hub, enabling customers to head to one place for the information and services they need.”

Cllr Colin Hayfield (Con, Arley), responsible for customers, access and physical assets, said: “The relocation of Warwick library is part of a wider library transformation programme which aims to develop a modern and affordable library service that can be accessed from home and from a core network of main libraries geographically spread across the county.

“The transformation agenda will also provide the opportunity for communities and other organisations to work together with us to influence what services they need for the future in their local area.”

The council is currently undertaking an extensive review of all its buildings as it strives to reduce costs and work within a tighter budget, with many properties due to be sold off or let. Warwick has been hit hardest by this with empty properties throughout the town centre including the old law courts in Northgate Street.

Preparatory work for the refurbishment has been taking place for some weeks, with the main construction activity now underway. Property review discussions are being held to determine the best use of the ground floor once the library has moved out.

The new and improved facilities are expected to open in early 2012. Current services will run as normal throughout the works and artist impressions of the new library will be on display in Shire Hall.