A proposal to create a new multi-service hub for Abergavenny has moved forward after councillors gave the green light for designers to draw up plans reports.

At a county council meeting last week, town and county representatives pushed through £50,000 in funding for development to reach the design stage.

Drawing from similar projects in Usk, and across Monmouthshire, the new hub will combine library services with a One Stop Shop offering community and council-related advice for residents. There will also be a police service desk.

The project has moved into gear following a decision in February last year to release £3.4m from plans which originally intended to build a new library on the former livestock market site.

Two options were on the table, with the former Richard’s department store in Frogmore Street and the town hall being sites of choice. After deliberations across councils, the new hub will be located in Abergavenny Town Hall.

Although currently in the design stage, plans include building a mezzanine floor which would extend the town hall’s current floor space into the neighbouring Market Hall.

Other Hubs across the county have been in operation since October last year, but councillors are now happy with concrete plans to solve a ‘difficult issue’.

Bob Greenland, cabinet member for Innovation, Enterprise and Leisure said the plans bore a significant step forward, after much deliberation. ?

“We know that the existing library in Abergavenny is very small and much smaller than could be warranted,” said Mr Greenland.

“We also know it would be impossible to provide a good service in the existing building. By doing this we will substantially increase the floorspace which is being devoted for Abergavenny.

“I would like to pay tribute to the town council, because they have been prepared to give up exclusive use of their chamber, and the Mayor’s Parlour, in our process of reorganisation of the service.

“It’s fair to say there was some concern from the residents of Usk.

“I think it’s now fair to say that now the process is complete they are very pleased with the increase in services they are getting,” he said.

Councillor Greenland added that concerns from some residents regarding the extension into the market hall were accepted, but the construction would be a ‘minor intrusion’.

Abergavenny Town councillor, John Prosser, welcomed the proposals which he considered an ‘update’ on the current service.

“I can say we have had prolonged discussions in liaison with MCC and that the town council is fully in agreement with the proposals to date,” said Mr Prosser.

“The Hub will provide a modern facility which is accessible to all. It will be a central Hub – a focal point – and ensure the town hall remains a focal point for the forthcoming years.

“There is a lot more mileage to go, with the detailed designs, but the sooner we do it: the better.”

Some residents expressed concern that the service would be forced to move out of its current town centre location.

Councillor Maureen Powell said the revamp would ensure such concerns were cleared.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea, having worried when they first said it would be moved somewhere else, because the public are used to it at the Town Hall. It’s essential for them,” she said.

“With the reorganisation, we are going to be more versatile. Many of the rooms will be used to their full extent.

“There are many possibilities and I look forward to it.”