Council to close Welshpool HQ and move staff to Newtown

As we’ve widely reported previously, Powys County Council will close its main office in Welshpool, Neuadd Maldwyn, as part of a major office review.

Meeting in Llandrindod Wells today, the cabinet approved a review of offices in the north of the county which will see the eventual closure of Neuadd Maldwyn in Severn Road with services relocated to other buildings in Newtown with a potential option for an agile working space in Welshpool yet to be decided.

MyWelshpool understands that this is likely to be at the library whose services will be downgraded and co-located with Powysland Museum, despite huge opposition from residents.

A decision on the future of the library will be delegated to the cabinet portfolio holders and Director of Environment.

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. 

According to a council press release, 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.

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.

“Officers in the council are now working hard to find the best possible outcome for Neuadd Maldwyn and hopefully its future will contribute positively to the town.

“They will also be turning their attention to the south of the county to review office accommodation in that area too,” he added.