Newtown’s Ladywell House has been purchased by Powys County Council.
MyNewtown revealed the plans for the purchase late last year and today the council confirmed it had now legally purchased the building which is a base for the Welsh Government in the area, as well as commercial tenants.
In today’s statement the council has not mentioned its own staff or plans to consolidate administrative offices in north Powys to the building.
“With the purchase complete, the council will invest in the property over the next two years to ensure it is modernised and provides fit-for-purpose office accommodation for the current tenants and potential future commercial tenants,” said a council statement.
Kier, a Leeds-based company, already manages the building on behalf of the Welsh Government. It was recently announced as a business partner with Powys County Council in a new buildings maintenance and services contract worth millions of pounds.
The council said as an interim measure, Kier would continue to manage Ladywell House.
Paul Griffiths, the council’s Strategic Director for Place, said: “Ladywell House is a valuable office asset for a number of key employers in the area, including several Welsh Government services.
“We hope to build on the existing relationships to ensure all current tenants remain in the building in the long term. We want to reassure current tenants that their occupation of the building will continue under the management of the council.”
As an interim arrangement, day-to-day management of the building will continue to be provided by Kier. This will ensure continuity of service and no noticeable changes in the way the building is currently managed.
Welsh Government staff will continue to operate at Ladywell House in line with the Welsh Government’s Location Strategy.
MyNewtown has asked Powys County Council to clarify its own future use of the building and if this will impact on its existing north Powys HQ in Welshpool.
Photo: Ladywell Houe Newtown
