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| • TIKI Adorian claps her hands as the Mayor, Councillor John Swan, cuts a ribbon to officially open the new Ilfracombe Centre, as named by her in a town council competition. They are joined by (left) project manager Paul Hollis, architect Phil Byers, Devon County Council Leader Brian Greenslade, town councillor Philip Webb, Ilfracombe district councillor Colin Wright, Lyn Del Greco of the South West RDA plus town and district Cllr Paul Crabb. |
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| • JUNE 2007: DANNY Robinson of Pearce Construction surveys the project plans before work begins, with The Mayor, Councillor John Swan, Cllrs Janice Donovan, Lynda Courtnadge and Deputy Mayor Margaret Blundell. |
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| • SEPTEMBER 2007: WORK is well under way in the basement, once riddled with asbestos and now a computer suite used by North Devon pathfinder. |
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| • SEPTEMBER 2007: ONE of the main project leaders, Coucnillor Paul Crabb in the council chamber. |
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• DAVID Windsor of Pearce Construction hard at work plastering the walls of one of the many new downstairs office spaces in the basement of the former council offices. |
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| • THE central staircase at the centre was another feature which saw extensive work. |
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| • NOVEMBER 2007: THIS skylight in the main council chamber cost around £7,000 and can no longer be seen, but it’s effects certainly are. The Mayor, Councillor John Swan, and Cllr Lynda Courtnadge are pictured here viewing the feature in November before it was covered up. |
The Ilfracombe Centre reopens
THE once shabby caterpillar of the old Ilfracombe council offices has emerged after nine months and spread its wings as a £1 million butterfly in the shape of The Ilfracombe Centre.
The listed 1930s building was officially reopened on Friday as a fully renovated, massively expanded and improved “one stop shop” containing everything from council services to Citizens Advice, Job Centre Plus, training facilities and voluntary community groups.
In other words instead of having to go to Barnstaple, people can sort out almost everything on their doorstep, either face to face with officers or via dedicated Internet or free telephone connections, from housing, benefits and council tax to recycling, environmental health and transport.
The project was carried out by Pearce Construction, to plans provided by RGP Architects and with funding from the European Regional Development Fund, South West RDA, district, county and town councils.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Mayor, Councillor John Swan said:
“This is a very special occasion and no is more pleased than me to welcome this building, which has been a long time in the making.”
Mr Swan thanked all those who had contributed to the project, including the funders, the council’s own strategy group which began the process, builders, architects and those whose individual efforts had ensured success, especially centre manager Andrea Beacham:
“I think together we have made a superb job,” he added “We have converted what was an old redundant building into three floors of valuable space which will support and help the community.”
The transformation is a startling one and the work has ensured the building is no longer under-used — examples include the large computer training suite now home to North Devon Pathfinder but once a dark unused basement.
“Ilfracombe town councillors in particular have put a tremendous amount of work into the project,” said manager Andrea Beacham.
“The result is a useful and valuable asset of business, training and service accommodation, no longer a drain on the town’s resources.”
The council chamber — which once boasted mould growing on the damp ceiling — has been turned into a modern meeting and conference facility, but retaining the ornate panelling and unique art deco features which had led to the building being listed.
Councillor Paul Crabb has been involved with the project practically from day one:
“We knew many people found it difficult to access services they were entitled to — and in many cases didn’t know were available — so we wanted to address this,” he said.
“We had a building that was under-used and in serious need of investment — we had already put aside money to replace the windows and decided to try and attract match funding. That initial investment snowballed into more than £1 million from external sources.”
The one stop idea is something which could catch on right across the district and a similar scheme is on the cards for South Molton.
“Eventually we hope to get this out to smaller communities too,” said Councillor Des Brailey, Deputy leader of the district council.
“It could be in shops, libraries or even pubs, where people could go and seek answers or access services, perhaps via the Internet.”
County council leader, Councillor Brian Greenslade, added: “This working together is something we are very confident with and we are delighted to see this shining example.
“The centre has already achieved acclaim and I wish it every success.”
The new Ilfracombe Centre is already well subscribed but enquiries are welcome from companies or organisations who would like to hire its training, conference or office spaces. Telephone (01271) 855318 for more information.
The Ilfracombe Centre at a glance:
Opening hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
Ilfracombe Town Council: Services, councillor surgeries, council meetings and facility hire.
North Devon District Council: Housing – advice, waiting lists, homeless assistance; benefits and Council tax services; Environmental Health including fly tipping, dog fouling and pollution problems; parking permits; Planning Service surgeries on Tuesday mornings and advice; general enquiries and referrals to other agencies at the centre.
Devon County Council: Telephone hotline with direct access to: Care Direct/adult social care; disability information service; children and families; schools and education; roads and transport; libraries and registrars (births, deaths and marriages); waste and recycling; general enquiries.
Job Centre Plus: Appointments with Jobcentre Plus advisor available 9.30am-12.30pm Tuesday and Thursday; full time Job Point at centre enabling viewing of all vacancies available; advice on accessing services.
North Devon Pathfinder: Introductory offers on a range of training courses; approved Learndirect provider; help with accessing Internet and emails for job searching, shopping and services; tutors on hand four times per week to offer taster courses, IT support and Skills for Life sessions.
Scribes (South West CIC): Free help with completing forms, guidance into appropriate training and education or additional support; experienced workers and volunteers for confidential one-to-one mentoring and assistance.
Trading Standards: Support for businesses and consumers.
Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, confidential and independent advice on any topic. Appointments Mondays 10am-1pm; drop-in service Wednesdays 10am-1pm. Information via www.adviceguide.org.uk
Exeter Drugs Project: Confidential and discreet support and treatment for drug users, their families and carers; individual and group work on an appointment basis.
Police, MP and Credit Union surgeries.
For information on the all above services, call in at the Ilfracombe Centre at the top of Northfield Road, telephone (01271) 855300 or email theilfracombecentre@northdevon.gov.uk
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