People are being invited to have their say on plans to bring together Kingswood’s library and One Stop Shop with public toilets and other services in one single location.
The proposals are part of South Gloucestershire Council’s £36m savings programme and aim to reduce running costs while making it easier for people to access services.
There are several options being considered for the location for the new hub – Kingswood Civic Centre, the existing library or another vacant property in the area.
It would offer a full range of library services, computers and free internet access, advice services from a range of providers, a police contact point, event, exhibition and meeting space and fully accessible public toilets, as well as the One Stop Shop, where customers can get advice on matters such as council tax and housing benefits,
The council is thinking about relocating the public toilets at the entrance to Kingswood Park into the new base.
Kingswood Civic Centre already houses the One Stop Shop and a police inquiry desk and is home to the Kingswood beat team.
Plans for community hubs in up to three other locations will be explored as part of the project, which aims to save £500,000.
Chair of the council’s Communities Committee Cllr Claire Young said: “This project is a good example of how we’re exploring new and efficient ways to deliver council services, as part of our six-year savings programme.
“Like all local authorities we need to make big savings as we adjust to national austerity measures and it’s important we look at all possible ways to make services more affordable.”
The consultation runs until 31st January and councillors are expected to make a decision on the proposal later next year. More information about the consultation is available on the council’s website or from the One Stop Shop and library.
