Flintshire Connects Centre comes to
Holywell
08/11/2012
Work has begun on a major refurbishment project in Holywell that
will see key public organisations co-locate in a historic building
in the town centre to improve access to key public services for
local residents.
Extensive works will be carried out to the Old Town Hall
building during the summer to accommodate a new Flintshire Connects
Centre in the town. The new c entre will create a public
sector hub on Holywell High Street that will bring Flintshire
County Council, North Wales Police, Deeside College and Communities
First together to deliver high quality, customer-focused services
in a modern working environment.
In addition to making improvements to customer services,
Flintshire Connects partner organisations are working closely to
generate efficiencies in terms of shared location, running costs
and improved partnership working arrangements.
Holywell Town Partnership has also supported the project with
town centre regeneration funding to improve the entrance and lobby
area of the building as a hub in the town for local visitor
information.
The centre will be open six days a week, including Saturday
mornings and local organisations will also be able to use it for
meetings and raise awareness of local events. It is due to
open this autumn.
Councillor Billy Mullin, Cabinet Member for Corporate
Management, explained; “The Flintshire Connects Centre in Holywell
is the first of its type in North Wales and is bringing county
council and North Wales Police services to the centre of Holywell.
This is a new modern facility that will improve the way services
are delivered to the residents of the town. In addition to
improving access for local people to key services on which they
depend, we also hope the new Centre will also boost the
regeneration and vibrancy of Holywell town centre.”
Chief Inspector Dave Roome said: “North Wales Police is
delighted to participate in the Flintshire Connects programme. We
can only be successful in preventing crime by working closely with
our partners, and the joint location of public services is a
positive step forward. It will enable us to maintain a strong
community policing presence in Holywell, in an environment that is
truly fit for purpose.”
Deeside College Principal, David Jones said: “We are delighted
that through the Flintshire Connects Centre, we will be able to
continue to offer part time courses, basic skills and professional
development training in Holywell town centre. This is another
example of our commitment to developing links and partnerships with
other organisations and to ensuring that our services are
accessible and meet the needs of our local communities.”
Local member, Councillor Peter Curtis, said:” This is very
welcome news. The Town Hall is the focal point of our High Street,
and is where the old Holywell Urban District Council used to meet,
and I am pleased that it is to be used again, after being empty for
so long. It’s been many things over the years, and I am thrilled
that it is to be used for public services, which is what it was
designed for. It will provide a great working environment,
and also give the public much easier access to services.”
Plans are currently being jointly developed by Flintshire County
Council with partner organisations to roll out future Flintshire
Connects Centres at Flint, Connah's Quay, Buckley, Mold and
Saltney.