With work towards establishing a new public services hub in the centre of Mendip now well under way, a new information leaflet has been created to explain exactly what the hub is and how it will help improve access to a wide range of services in one place.
The new hub will be officially known as the Shape Mendip Hub. This new identity has been created to reflect all of the different public services that will be delivered on the one site at Cannards Grave Road in Shepton Mallet. The new identity reflects the partners’ commitment to work together and shape a better future for everyone who lives and works in the district.
The new information leaflet can be found on the council’s website: www.mendip.gov.uk/shapemendip A display has also been set up in the temporary reception at Mendip District Council’s offices to explain to customers what is happening on site.
The Shape Mendip Hub is to act as a central base for a number of public service providers. Those already confirmed to be joining Mendip District Council include Avon and Somerset Police, Capita, Somerset County Council and Shepton Mallet Town Council. Other key public service and voluntary sector providers are expected to confirm that they will also be providing services from the hub.
Building work is now under way and, once completed, staff from the other frontline services to be based at the Shape Mendip Hub will move on to the site alongside existing Mendip District Council employees, with almost 600 jobs based at the Shepton Mallet site.
The creation of the hub is a groundbreaking idea from Mendip District Council, which will see the authority maximise the use of its council offices in Shepton Mallet, saving local taxpayers millions of pounds.
Financial projections show that Mendip District Council could make savings of almost £3.3million over 20 years from the project.
Donna Nolan, Mendip District Council’s corporate manager for governance, assets and public spaces, said: “The name Shape Mendip has been chosen to reflect a wider range of the partners working together on one site to provide services that help the people of Mendip live well.
“This is a real partnership project and I look forward to many more public service providers joining the hub in the coming months.”
Cllr John Parham, portfolio holder for governance, assets and public spaces, said: “I hope people will take time to read the new information leaflet which explains exactly what this ambitious project is about and how it should have a positive impact on the lives of people throughout Mendip.
“Shape Mendip will put customers at the heart of public service delivery and lead to more accessible, streamlined public services while saving Mendip District Council millions of pounds that can be ploughed back into frontline services.”