It is official - in just a few more weeks Corby Borough Council will be opening the doors to the amazing Corby Cube as the authority plans to start services from the state-of-the-art building from Tuesday 2nd November 2010.
Over the last two and a half years people in and around Corby have watched as the iconic structure has grown from the ground and developed into a bold representation of the regeneration that has taken place in Corby.
Now the excitement is making a real buzz around the Borough as the moment that residents get to see the inside of their brand new public building is just around the corner.
Although the official opening of the building isn’t due to take place until next year, partners have organised a launch event for invited guests on Monday 1st November. This will give all partners a day to test out the systems and make sure everything is in order for opening to the public on Tuesday 2nd November.
Throughout the first week of the Cube doors opening, as well as coming in to use the services, residents will also be able to join tours around the building and learn some fascinating facts about the Corby Cube.
Deputy Leader of Corby Borough Council, Cllr Mark Pengelly, said:
‘Everyday I look at the Corby Cube and it fills me with pride to see such an iconic landmark in the Borough that was built for the people of Corby and that represents our bright future.
‘We have come such a long way and high quality buildings and services such as what is provided in the Cube show the standard to what our residents deserve and have become used to, so we are definitely very excited to be able to open the doors to them in just one month’s time.’
To ensure all of the services are up and running for the opening, the current One Stop Shop’s reception in Grosvenor House will close from 5pm on Tuesday 26th October and will reopen in the Cube for normal hours on Tuesday 2nd November 2010.
Please note that the cashier’s desk in the current One Stop Shop will remain open as normal until the afternoon of Friday 29th October 2010 so cash transactions and payments can still be made. It will then reopen in the Cube along with the One Stop Shop reception on Tuesday 2nd November.
Throughout the move Corby Borough Council’s Switchboard will remain open to deal with any enquiries and can be contacted on 01536 464000.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
As the final touches are being made behind the modern glass walls, here’s what residents can look forward to seeing inside:
Main Reception
On entering through the front door, visitors will be met by the Main Reception desk made from bright red high quality laminate. Help will be available here to direct visitors to the location of services within the building. The ground and first floor are, however public areas, and during opening hours visitors will be free to move directly through reception to the library and on to the One Stop shop, (OSS) and if they have time perhaps pause to browse an interesting book. Alternatively visitors can take the lift directly to the One Stop Shop.
One Stop Shop
A dedicated reception point in the OSS will be staffed by trained Customer Service Advisors who will have a good general knowledge of all council services. Customers will be able to access services such as housing repairs, advice and tenancy, Council Tax, benefits, environmental issues and cash payments.
Additionally, the One Stop Shop will be working with partners to enhance the “self-service” provision, and ensuring services from other organisations such as health, homelessness and debt avoidance projects are offered.
Library
The new library is located on a ramp which connects the ground and first floor. New stock is being specially purchased for the new library which will also home a computer suite.
The library features a special area for young people aged 13 – 25 called Headspace. This area is located at the end of the ramp, in between the first and second levels, and has been designed in consultation with local young people who have already chosen some of the book stock. Activities also shaped by young people will take place in this area and special features including a Wii and relaxed seating will be included.
Theatre
Probably the most exciting part of the Cube, Corby’s new theatre is accessed through the main reception, where the new box office will be selling tickets for future performances. The theatre is a stunning walnut clad 445 seat venue, with curved retractable seating system to facilitate a flexible flat floor auditorium space. The space has been designed to have a traditional theatre feel with balcony viewing whilst keeping modern theatre systems and flexibility.
And more…
The Council Chamber is available for weddings and you can book your wedding ceremony today by calling the Registrars Customer Service Centre on 03001261010
For more information please contact: Kimberley Fitzjohn, Corby Borough Council
Telephone: 01536 464022 Mobile: 07887 635 749 Fax: 01536 464640
Email kim.fitzjohn@corby.gov.uk
See Corby Borough Council’s website www.corby.gov.uk for past press releases.