The facade of the old building fronts the new development

The �20m headquarters at Ruthin in Denbighshire houses a new council chamber and accommodation for 350 staff members.

The historic parts of the town have not been overlooked, with the town hall also getting an overhaul.

The Welsh Assembly Government backed the project, and contributed over 70% of the budget for the new complex.

The centre includes a "one-stop shop" for the public to get access to the council.

The complex was built by Merseyside-based Neptune Developments, who will manage and repair the facility for 25 years while leasing it to the council.

Denbighshire will then take over the ownership of the building.

Facade

The offices, on Wynnstay Road, replaced previous council buildings which were knocked down to make way for the new development.

Staff moved to temporary accommodation while the work was being carried out.

Many of [the staff] have had to put up with very poor office accommodation for too long Ian Miller

The company had to preserve the old facade while rebuilding the rest of the site to ensure the new offices did not look out of place in Ruthin.

Denbighshire council's chief executive Ian Miller said: "The new building has been long awaited by staff.

"Many of them have had to put up with very poor office accommodation for too long. They deserve decent, modern offices.

"I am sure that the new building will provide a significant boost to morale and performance."

The council sites at Rhyl, Prestatyn, Denbigh and Llangollen will not be affected by the new building.

Mr Miller added: "This is the last piece of the jigsaw and means that we have a modern base in Ruthin."

Neptune Development's Steve Parry said: "We believe the completed development meets the aspirations of the council for modern high quality civic facilities that will improve service to the public and help regenerate the historic heart of Ruthin."