Plans for one-stop-shop at Corn Exchange get the go-ahead
PLANS for a “one-stop-shop” of council and community services have been given the green light.
South Kesteven District Council’s development control committee approved a planning application to extend the Bourne Corn Exchange at a meeting on Tuesday.
The building will now be turned into a Community Access Point with a range of services under one roof, including the library, the county, district and town council offices, the Citizens Advice Bureau and function rooms.
District Councillor Linda Neal (Con), representing Bourne West, said: “The decision means we can now move on with the project. The intention is for it to be a good facility for the people of Bourne.
“It is an opportunity to learn from and it will benefit other areas of the district as well.”
The Community Access Point will transform the Corn Exchange. The ground floor will house a new customer service facility, the library and interview rooms along with a hall, kitchen and changing rooms.
The main function room on the ground floor would be retained for hiring purposes and town council meetings would be held in the building.
There would also be offices on the first floor for staff and the living accommodation would be converted for offices and storage.
Bourne’s registration services could also be moving to the Corn Exchange after Lincolnshire County Council decided to keep them in the town.
The council suggested closing the register office in West Street in August to save money. But a 90-day consultation revealed significant support for keeping the services in the town.
County Councillor Sue Woolley (Con), representing the Bourne Abbey ward, campaigned against the proposals from the start.
She said: “Congratulations to the people of Bourne and the surrounding area. People power did play a significant part in keeping the services. It is a great day for all of us.”
The Community Access Point should be completed by March 2013.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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