A new £5 million Partnership Centre is to be built in West Lothian.

Proposals for the project in Whitburn have been agreed by Councillors and work is underway to submit a planning application by spring 2017.

The scheme involves modernising and extending the existing Burgh Halls to create the new facility. The new extension would be built to replace the current arrangements to the rear of the building, creating a new entrance to the west elevation of the building.

In addition, a new open plan area for visitors would be created, incorporating the council's Customer Information Services (CIS) office, including Access2employment, together with an open plan library and community museum. Other features include relocating the community hall to the front of the building, with the first floor providing modern open plan office accommodation for Housing Services and a number of other council and potentially partner services.

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The council will now engage an architect, quantity surveyors and technical advisors to finalise the plans.

Council Leader John McGinty said: "The approval for the proposals for a new partnership centre in Whitburn to move forward is a fantastic step forward in the regeneration of the town centre and other community facilities and will we hope be a catalyst for partner investment together with improving the way that the council plans, manages and delivers integrated services.

"The proposals to develop the Burgh Halls in Whitburn, representing an investment of almost £5 million will ensure the community benefits from a building which is multi-functional, modern and fit-for-purpose. The proposals also provide an opportunity to deliver a modern customer-focused service in Whitburn, while adding to the vibrancy to the town centre and addressing the community's wishes to enhance the town's reputation."

(LM/MH)