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 Centre 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.
