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Centre will ‘transform’ public services
Wigan is on track to get a state of the
art new library and swimming pool as part of an ambitious plan to
revitalise the civic heart of the borough and create a unique public
service 'hub'.
The council says it is on the verge of landing a multi-million pound
development which will transform the way public services are delivered
across the borough and the quality of vital facilities available to
residents.
At the heart of the £67 million scheme will be replacement buildings for
Wigan International Pool and Municipal Buildings, which are located next
to Wigan Town Hall.
But the wider effect will be to create a new ‘Joint Service Centre’
which will improve access to public services throughout the borough.
The council is stressing that if it is successful in winning funding
through the government’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) then the money
can’t be used for any other purposes.
Project director Bob Saunders, who is also Wigan Council’s Director of
Community Protection, explained: “This is a unique scheme which would
not only provide better public facilities such as a new swimming pool
and central library, but also join up services provided by the council,
primary care trust, Wigan and Leigh Housing, our leisure and culture
trust, police, fire and the voluntary sector.”
Benefits of the project will include:-
• Easier access to a whole range of public services.
• A one stop shop and contact centre providing longer opening hours and
with access points in each township area.
• A new central library and information zone on the site of the
Municipal Buildings (though discussions are taking place to ensure the
distinctive heritage features of the building are retained)
• A new swimming pool, with flexible use of water space, designed to the
National Standard.
• Complementary exercise and health improvement facilities together with
a GP surgery and clinic.
• Facilities bringing together a range of public services including
council, health, housing, leisure, police, fire and the voluntary
sector.
Wigan Council Leader Peter Smith said: “A tremendous effort has been
made by the council and its partners to secure this funding so that we
can jointly improve the public services and facilities for residents in
the borough.
“If we are successful it will make a tremendous impact on services
across the borough and bring about much needed regeneration of
dilapidated buildings and facilities in Wigan town centre.
“Without this government funding we would be facing a hefty bill to
refurbish existing buildings such as the swimming pool.”
The scheme will be financed through the Government’s Private Finance
Initiative (PFI) and follows a successful initial bid made in March
2005.
The Wigan bid has beaten extensive competition from other councils to
reach the final round. An ‘Outline Business Case’ (OBC) has been drawn
up to prove the project meets local need, can be delivered on time, and
provides good value for money.
A report seeking approval to submit the OBC to the government will now
go before the council’s overview and scrutiny committee and cabinet
before a final decision by the full council in September.
If Wigan is successful, work on the scheme are likely to start in summer
2008 for completion by the end of 2010.
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Notes to editors
• The total PFI credits provisionally awarded to the scheme amount to
£67 million.
• The finance will be restricted to the development of a Joint Service
Centre with One Stop Shop, new pool, central library and supporting
public services. (It can be used for no other purpose.)
For further information, contact Bob Saunders, Project Director on 01942
827094.
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