Assembly base could open in 2008

Parc-y-Llyn, in Aberystwyth, where the new building will be based

Building work on a new multi-million pound Welsh Assembly Government office in mid Wales could start in the next few months, it has emerged.

About 550 civil servants will be based at Parc-y-Llyn in Aberystwyth, with nearly 200 relocating from Cardiff.

The assembly government said a planning application would be submitted in the spring, and if successful, building work would start soon afterwards.

Construction should take 16 months and it is expected to open in autumn 2008.

The environment, planning and countryside department will be situated in the town as part of plans to locate government closer to communities around Wales.

"This is another significant step in our plan to move Welsh assembly government departments closer to communities and provide good, local career opportunities," said local government minister Sue Essex.

The location for the new office was announced in August 2005.

Wind turbines

Ceredigion Council is set to build a new office on the site as well, and the Forestry Commission will also base staff there.

Architects Powell Dobson, based in Cardiff, have been awarded a contract to design the premises by Ms Essex.

The building will reflect materials associated with Wales such as slate, zinc, copper and timber.

It will also have a range of sustainable and renewable systems such as wind turbines, solar water heaters and rain water recovery, the assembly government has confirmed.

The building contract was awarded to Carillion Building PLC, of Bristol, last October.

Other new assembly offices are also planned for Merthyr Tydfil and Llandudno Junction.