April 2007 News
Best service for Hackney
These are the first glimpses of what a state-of-the-art new Council building in central Hackney is set to look like.
The Service First Centre will bring key public services for residents under one roof, and will be located behind Hackney Town Hall.
Hackney Planning Committee granted permission for the centre on 11 April. Its contemporary design has been chosen to complement the much-loved 1930s, grade II listed Town Hall building. Cllr Karen Alcock, Cabinet Member for Customer and Corporate Services said: “We are delighted to have the go-ahead for the new building. It is central to our ambition to provide modern welcoming surroundings where the people of Hackney can do business with us and to give our staff the professional flexible office space they deserve.”
Under one roof
The proposed Service First Centre will house most Council staff, currently based in offices scattered around Hackney. Many of these buildings are in poor condition and need refurbishing to come up to modern standards.
Not only are they expensive to run, but by being so spread out, it can make contacting the Council time-consuming and inconvenient, forcing residents to travel around the borough just to use different services.
The ground floor of the Service First Centre will be built around a central atrium, with plenty of staff on hand to fast-track basic questions, as well as a number of private meeting rooms for more complex enquiries.
Eco-friendly
The design incorporates new technologies to improve how services are delivered for residents. It will also be eco-friendly with solar panels, a natural air-cooling system and ample secure cycle parking.
Dorothy Hodgkin House and Council offices on Hillman Street are being cleared to make way for the proposed building.
Residents can use a new reception for planning, building control, licensing, traffic and highways at 263 Mare Street and a new Parking Shop at 275 Mare Street.
Construction is intended to begin in late Summer this year, for completion by Spring 2010.
The Town Hall will remain as the centre for civic and ceremonial activities, such as weddings and Council meetings.
Page updated: 4 May 2007