Bury Public Service Village

Shaping the future for public service working practices

THE PROJECT: The amalgamation of public service staff from two different councils under one roof is something of a groundbreaking concept. The Bury St Edmunds Public Service Village - West Suffolk House - has already been highlighted as a positive example of the advantages that cross-authority working can achieve. The first phase of the public service village is a purpose-built public sector office based around a flexible open plan space. The building includes meeting rooms, conference facilities and democratic space / council chambers resulting in a partnership between St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Suffolk County Council. Its aim is to get staff from both councils working together in one place, thus improving cross-authority communication, cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

This development and amalgamation of staff marks a significant alteration of the established working culture. The building utilises the latest building management techniques, natural ventilation and rainwater systems, which further minimise energy costs and achieve an overall carbon footprint reduction. Not only does this make for ecologically conscious working practices, but will free up a greater proportion of public funds to be spent on public services rather than administration. The construction is in its first development phase and is scheduled to open in 2009.

Highlighted as a case study in the Government’s (2006) Local Government White Paper illustrating the benefits of joint working.

PICK EVERARD’S ROLE: Multidisciplinary including site masterplanning
VALUE: £14 million