A COMMITMENT to Penzance will see Cornwall Council pump millions of pounds into saving an iconic town landmark.
The authority's Cabinet this morning gave its unanimous backing to plans to redevelop St John's Hall and use it to deliver council services locally.
The decision will safeguard the future of the listed building and show a continued desire to invest in the town by Cornwall Council.
"We have to show the people of Penzance that our commitment is to keep services in the area," said Carolyn Rule, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and people and economy and regeneration.
The grand plans will see £5.6million ploughed into revamping the granite building and also bring the town's library service, One Stop Shop and registration office under one roof.
Other council assets, including the "inefficient" St Clare, will either be sold or disposed of to help fund the project.
Throwing their weight behind the scheme, the Cabinet members also said they hoped St John's Hall would now become the hub of the town.
"This will bring people earning professional salaries into the town centre and in to a building that has long been regarded as the civic centre of Penzance," said Bert Biscoe, portfolio holder for transportation, highways and environment.
"It will also provide a significant boost to the economy of Penzance and enable us to engage more clearly with the community."
It is hoped the works will be carried out and completed in 2014/15.
The authority's Cabinet this morning gave its unanimous backing to plans to redevelop St John's Hall and use it to deliver council services locally.
The decision will safeguard the future of the listed building and show a continued desire to invest in the town by Cornwall Council.
"We have to show the people of Penzance that our commitment is to keep services in the area," said Carolyn Rule, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and people and economy and regeneration.
The grand plans will see £5.6million ploughed into revamping the granite building and also bring the town's library service, One Stop Shop and registration office under one roof.
Other council assets, including the "inefficient" St Clare, will either be sold or disposed of to help fund the project.
Throwing their weight behind the scheme, the Cabinet members also said they hoped St John's Hall would now become the hub of the town.
"This will bring people earning professional salaries into the town centre and in to a building that has long been regarded as the civic centre of Penzance," said Bert Biscoe, portfolio holder for transportation, highways and environment.
"It will also provide a significant boost to the economy of Penzance and enable us to engage more clearly with the community."
It is hoped the works will be carried out and completed in 2014/15.
