Keys to the city centre shop handed over
Plans to provide a better service for customers as well as bring more people into the city centre have reached a ‘key’ milestone.
The keys of the new 1st Stop shop in New George Street are being handed over to contractors Claremont Interiors to transform the empty shop into a city centre base for the Council.
The two storey building will be home to the main Council reception for more customer-facing services, includes housing options, benefits and general enquiries.
Frontline staff and customers have been working to make sure the design of the new offices will be an improvement for customers, with more private appointment booths and less waiting times.
Deputy leader Councillor Peter Smith said: “We wanted our shop window right here in the heart of the city – particularly the West End – as it is easier for customers and good for the local businesses.
“With an anticipated 70,000 people a year using 1st Stop, we hope our presence here will have a knock on effect for neighbouring businesses. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get to this point. This is an opportunity to improve people’s experience of talking face-to-face with the Council.”
Feedback from the public has helped shape the look and layout of the office which includes dedicated, enlarged consultation booths for customers with mobility scooters.
Staff also put forward their thoughts on the design to make a trip to the Council office as smooth as possible, with more self-services facilities. There are plans for a floor walker to point customers to the right desk or area to cut queues.
Around 80 Council staff will move to the office which is expected to be completed by the Autumn with a phased opening. This will include trialling new ways of working such as opening on Saturdays and later opening hours on Thursdays in the run up to Christmas.
The Council is progressing with its plan to leave the Civic Centre to enable the easier future development of the building and provide flexible, value for money accommodation.
