The Chairman of Durham County Council has officially opened the new location for Age UK County Durham in Durham City.
As part of the ongoing redevelopment of North Road, an agreement between the local authority and Age UK County Durham saw the council purchase the charity’s offices adjacent to Hopper House.
As part of the agreement, the council has refurbished a new, more prominent location at 68 North Road, which will house Age UK County Durham’s drop in information and advice service and trading outlet. The charity’s head office function has also moved to new premises on Belmont Business Park
Harriet Gibbon, chief executive of Age UK County Durham, said “The council’s desire to acquire Age Concern House provided us with an opportunity to review our premises requirements. Our new larger office premises on the Belmont Business Park have enabled us to rationalise the number of offices we have and reduce our operating costs, whilst at the same time we have been able to maintain a high profile city centre presence which provides a gateway to the many services and activities that we offer to improve the quality of life for older people.
“Our new premises at 68 North Road provide a welcoming environment with private interview rooms so that we can provide an even better service to help those who can benefit from our advice and support.”
Chairman of Durham County Council, Cllr Edward Bell, said: “It was an honour to officially open the new premises for Age UK County Durham and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to help such a vital charity provide even better services for the residents of County Durham.”
People can find out more about Age UK County Durham and the help and support they offer by visiting www.ageukcountydurham.org.uk.