Havant Borough Council is delighted that Her Royal Highness has accepted its invitation to officially open the Plaza to the community as part of its Community Open Day event on Tuesday 16th July.

Councillor Michael Cheshire responsible holder for Marketing and Development said; We are very proud to be able to welcome The Princess to the Borough of Havant and to show her the new Plaza. The visit will provide an opportunity for Her Royal Highness to see the various Civic and Voluntary Organisations that now work in the Plaza as part of our vision for a Public Service Village.

Councillor Yvonne Weeks responsible for Economy and Communities added It is a privilege to be hosting a royal visit and for it be part of our community open day. I am really looking forward to it and hope our residents will enjoy the days itinerary.

Havants Public Service Plaza represents a new way of partnership working to deliver public service excellence. The refurbishment of the building completed a year ago is now occupied by Havant Borough Council staff and partners Hampshire County Council Childrens and Adult Services and the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

The scheme has been recognised by Government as a model for two-tier working across county and borough councils. The development of public service hubs supported by new technology and flexible working practices enables councils to deliver savings and more joined-up public services under one roof. As well as reducing running costs it cuts their carbon footprints and the sale of surplus buildings releases funds that go back into local services.

It offers joined up public services accessed through one central point and the open day is an opportunity for local residents and businesses to drop-in and see the facilities on offer at the Public Service Plaza Civic Centre Road Havant.

Visitors are invited to take the opportunity to look around the Plaza Conference Centre and browse the exhibition stands on display on the day.

The Council has recently been shortlisted for two Municipal Journal awards. One for Delivering Better Outcomes and the other for Community Investor. The results will be announced in June.

Hampshire County Councils in-house Property Services team was highly commended for their work on the Public Service Plaza in the 2012 local government architecture oscars from SCALA (The Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities). The Plaza was also Shortlisted for a Design and Innovation Award in the 2013 RICS South East Award.