Plan for council and 999 site-share aired

The sale of Powys County Council's run-down Neuadd Maldwyn base could raise £3million which would go towards funding a new shared services base in the town, which would be a first for the county and Wales.

Welshpool Town Council will discuss the plans at its next meeting and appoint a councillor to a working group to assist the county council with plans.

Powys County Council first unveiled the idea last month but stressed the plans are at a "very early stage" and it is expected details will be released in coming months.

The complex could be built in Howell Drive on the former swimming baths' site.

Powys County Council is currently based in the Grade-II Listed Neuadd Maldwyn building in Severn Road, but says it needs £3 million worth of repairs if it stays open.

It will now look to sell the building to raise funds for the new project, which could see a site occupied by the council, police, ambulance and fire service, flats, a library and a GP surgery.

The council has been looking at the future of Neuadd Maldwyn for a number of years. It would cost £3million to repair – the same amount it feels it could reach at sale.

Councillor Garry Banks, cabinet portfolio holder for localism, said: "In February 2009 the extent of the maintenance backlog at Neuadd Maldwyn was revealed. It was acknowledged that to remain permanently at Neuadd Maldwyn would require significant long term investment. At the time, the estimated maintenance figure stood at £1.5m over a five year period."

Councillor Banks said the figure is now about £3million. He added: "Initial indications show the maintenance backlog remains constant. The figures do not include improvements including refurbishment of the chamber. In addition, the condition of mobile units to the rear of the building is such that staff have had to be relocated and the units closed."

Robert Robinson, Welshpool Town Clerk, said councillors will discuss the plans on August 28 at 7pm in Welshpool Town Hall.