Mayor announces new base in city centre
BBCThe Mayor of the West Midlands has announced a new base in Wolverhampton.
Richard Parker said the "Collab Hub" would be in the Civic Centre and has been launched on a trial basis, following an agreement between the Mayor, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the city council.
"The Collab Hub is about working shoulder to shoulder with our local councils and others to bring real change for local people quickly and effectively," Parker said.
If the trial proves successful, the base, which is being provided free of charge by the council, could be replicated in other parts of the West Midlands.
The Hub follows a manifesto pledge by the Mayor to work more collaboratively across the region and have operational bases outside Birmingham.
"I made a commitment when I was elected to explore how to make the work of the Mayor and WMCA more accessible, visible and accountable.
"But I didn't want any promise of a Black Country office to be tokenistic. It needed to be a useful base that works and delivers for local communities.
"I also wanted to make sure it did not cost the taxpayer more money, so I'm delighted we've been able to make this agreement with the council," Parker added.
The Collab Hub will be located on the first floor of the Wolverhampton Civic Centre in St Peter's Square and will provide space for the Mayor and up to ten WMCA employees at a time.
In return, the WMCA is allocating space at its Birmingham city centre headquarters for any visiting council staff who require it.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: "The new hub demonstrates our commitment to public sector partnering, and co-locating in this way helps improve operational efficiency for both parties, ensuring we work effectively together for the benefit of our residents.
"It in turn boosts footfall in Wolverhampton city centre, benefiting the local economy."
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