£1 million refurb of County Hall to get underway

A jaw-dropping £1 million of public money will be spent on enabling Powys County Council to accommodate Welsh Government staff at its Llandrindod Wells headquarters.

The contract has been awarded to the same Shropshire company that is building Welshpool’s new primary school after an agreement was reached for the Welsh Government to utilise part of County Hall, enabling them to close their office across the road.

Powys County Council bought Ladywell House in Newtown over two years ago and it has undergone a significant investment refurbishing it. They are letting offices to the Welsh Government, organisations and private companies.

It is not known if there would have been space for additional Welsh Government staff from Llandrindod Wells there instead of County Hall, saving the tax payer money.

Pave Aways, although based outside of the county, said it will be using local contractors and resources where possible to deliver the Welsh Government-funded job.

The company’s Managing Director, Steven Owen, said: “We are delighted to have won this competitive tender and look forward to starting work when the current Coronavirus crisis is over and renewing our relationship with the Welsh Assembly.

“We will be utilising businesses in our supply chain within a 30-mile radius of Llandrindod Wells with a pledge to procure 90 per cent of resources and services from Wales. This will be a welcome boost for them after what will be a very uncertain period for many.”