A north Wales council has been given the go-ahead by the Welsh Assembly to build a new headquarters in Ruthin costing more than �15m.

The building for the Denbighshire authority will include office space for 300 workers and a new council chamber.

This is excellent news for our staff who work in Ruthin

Ian Miller chief executive

It will not replace any of the existing bases in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Denbigh.

More than 70% of the project will be funded directly by the assembly with the existing cash coming from a private finance initiative (PFI).

The centre will replace the current council buildings on Wynnstay Road.

They will be knocked down and re-built to provide new office space and car parking.

Staff will be moved into temporary accommodation in Ruthin while the two year building work is carried out.

The council is also based in Rhyl

The council's chief executive Ian Miller said the new offices would benefit workers.

"This is excellent news for our staff who work in Ruthin.

"Many of them have had to put up with very poor office accommodation for too long.

"They deserve decent, modern offices."

Value for money

The PFI scheme means that some funding for the project will be received from the private sector.

The idea has been criticised in the past.

However, Denbighshire council say they have worked hard to make sure the final deal is cost effective.

Council leader Eryl Williams said they had to prove the 25-year private project was worthwhile.

"We had to demonstrate to the assembly that the scheme represented value for money compared to funding the asset by traditional means and maintaining it ourselves.

"At the end of the contract the council will inherit offices that have been properly maintained and which can continue to serve the area for many decades to come."

Building work is expected to begin in January.