Welshpool council office to close and staff relocated to Newtown

A behind closed doors session of a the council cabinet meeting on Tuesday decided that the Neuadd Maldwyn offices in Welshpool will be closed as part of the authority's major office review.

Staff based at the building on Severn Road, which in the past has hosted hearings and planning meetings, will relocate to other council buildings in Newtown.

The council is also exploring the possibility of housing staff in Welshpool as part of an 'agile working space', with the town's library previously suggested.

The cabinet also accepted the principle that the council adopt agile working where possible meaning that staff will not be provided with an individual workspace - with a ratio of 60 spaces for 100 staff anticipated for buildings.

Cabinet member for property, councillor Phyl Davies said: “We carried out a thorough review of office accommodation and believe the options approved today provide the very best model for service delivery in the north within available resources.

“We thank the public for taking part in the consultation regarding the library and museum and for their many constructive suggestions which were carefully considered. We now also need to consider the feedback we have had from affected staff before making a final decision.

“We hope that these changes will have a positive effect on service delivery as all areas need to review their services and should take this opportunity to change them for the better."

Under the plans children and adult services currently based in Welshpool will move to the Park Offices in Newtown and housing and environmental health services will move to the Old College in Newtown.

Councillor Davies said work will now begin to find the best outcome for the vacant council building, and it is unclear whether it will be sold off or leased out.

The authority will now turn its attention to a south of the county office review, as it looks to make cuts across the board.