Colchester Council is on the move to Rowan House - the old Anglian Water building beside Matalan.
In a reorganisation costing £1.8 million, the council has decided to slash the number of buildings it owns and bring many services under one roof.
Lexden Grange, in Lexden Road, which houses the planning department, and East Lodge, opposite the East Hill bus station entrance, which is currently empty, are among the casualties.
But the town hall will be retained for politicians and civic duties, and Angel Court, in High Street, will be heavily reshaped to become a "customer service centre".
It is hoped this centre will be able to deal with the vast majority of inquiries from members of the public. Eight staff will man a desk at the building for all council "face-to-face" inquiries, while 32 telephone receptionists will take inquiries from members of the public.
All other buildings, including Greytown House, above the JobCentre, in High Street, will be vacated or sold by the time the move is completed next year.
Published Friday November 28, 2003
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