Date: 14/12/2009
An overhaul of the reception area in Glossop Municipal Buildings has been given the seal of approval by customers.
In partnership, High Peak Borough Council and High Peak Community Housing have carried out changes to enable council staff to handle enquiries for High Peak Community Housing as well as requests for the council's own services. The aim of this was to provide a more joined-up approach to service delivery for the people of Glossop.
Key elements of the project, completed last month, included:
The changes mark the completion of Stage 1 of a larger scheme to transform the Municipal Buildings into a fully-fledged one-stop shop for public services by the end of next year.
The modernisation was carried out by the council's property management team in consultation with customers, councillors and members of the board of High Peak Community Housing.
The work was prompted by a survey which found that customers were confused by the old layout featuring two reception areas close to each other.
In contrast, the council's latest survey has recorded 100 per cent satisfaction with the service provided. Further consultation is planned for the New Year so as to continue to develop the service in line with customer need.
The improvements were welcomed by Emily Thrane, Executive Councillor for Corporate Services.
"Customers told us that the reception area wasn't private enough and that having two desks was confusing. We listened to their concerns and transformed reception into an open, welcoming space that's easy for customers to find their way around.
"We're now working with our partners on plans to make a far wider range of public services available in the Municipal Buildings", she revealed.
Her words were echoed by Agnes Bradley, chair of High Peak Community Housing: "I'm pleased that the company has responded to tenant feedback regarding the need for a reception area with more space but providing more private interview facilities. We look forward to working in partnership with High Peak Borough Council to continue providing excellent customer service, as commended recently in the Customer Service Excellence assessment."
The reception area remained open throughout the week-long conversion, which was funded from existing budgets.