FIFE COUNCIL’S flagship offices in Dunfermline, dubbed New City House, were officially opened by Finance Minister Tom McCabe yesterday.

The office complex was completed in the summer of last year and was funded by selling off old council premises in the town.

It brings together staff from 11 different sites and was part of the council’s response to providing a more efficient and cost- effective service.

Mr McCabe, who was welcomed by Fife Provost John Simpson, said he was delighted to have been asked to formally declare New City House open.

“Fife Council has taken a great step forward in bringing together staff from 11 different locations into one purpose-built city centre office fit for the 21st century,” he added.

“I’m sure that staff working here and the people of Fife will find that this new building is a major asset to the area.”

New City House was completed in July of last year and provides accommodation for 450 employees.

The minister met Craig Middleton (8), from McLean Primary School, and Jordan Tillier (13), from Dunfermline High.

They won the competition to name the new building and the conference suite.

Craig came up with New City House, while Jordan thought of Kingdom Suite.

A plaque was unveiled in the main reception area to commemorate the opening event.

Council leader Anne McGovern said, “This is a superb building that our employees are now working in and it’s a model that we would like to see rolled out elsewhere in Fife.

“Feedback from employees now based here has been very positive and they obviously welcome the modern environment and the excellent facilities, including an in-house cafe.

“In 2004, local authorities were asked to pursue a comprehensive programme of public sector efficiencies.”

Mrs McGovern said Fife’s response had four main strands:

l Reducing expenditure.

l Improving customer responsiveness.

l More partnership working.

l Service improvement planning, which includes making more efficient use of the council’s assets.

The council leader added, “New City House has brought employees who were based in 11 different locations, together under one roof.

“This has allowed us to release buildings for sale which are surplus to the council’s requirements and put the money raised towards the development costs of creating New City House.

“In addition, the new building provides an improved working environment for our employees, makes it easier for staff to adopt more flexible working practices, take advantage of new technology and extended opening hours, and have easier access to colleagues.”

l Mr McCabe is pictured with Craig Middleton, Jordan Tillier and Mr Simpson.