WORK on an innovative scheme to combine three council offices in Ringwood will start next week.

The Ringwood Gateway, a new public services hub in the heart of the town, will bring together the services of Ringwood Town Council, New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council under one roof.

It will also provide new public conveniences, visitor information and a ceremonies facility as part of the county council’s registration services.

It will replace the current outdated public toilets and visitor information centre in the south-western corner of the main Furlong car park.

Cllr Edward Heron, chairman of the project board and deputy leader of New Forest District Council said: “I am delighted that building works are starting for this exciting project.

“Joining up three local authorities in one shared flexible workspace will enable us to provide a cost-effective and enhanced level of public service from a single high quality building in the heart of Ringwood.”

Terry Simpson, clerk at Ringwood Town Council, said: “The move is long awaited and will enable Ringwood residents to have access to a one-stop shop facility for council services.”

The leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Ken Thornber, added: “As councils around the country face financial constraints from reduced government funding, it’s important that we collaborate to find new ways of working together that are smarter and more efficient, for the benefit of residents.

“The Ringwood Gateway project is an example of this in practice and how we are continuing to deliver quality and value for money services, in spite of these economic challenges.”

The project is due to be completed in Spring 2012 and temporary changes to the access arrangements for Furlong car park are being made.