Wraps off £38m Staffordshire County Council HQ

With cascading lights illuminating its cutting edge glass facade, this iconic entrance lobby takes pride of place at the centre of Staffordshire County Council's new headquarters.

Council chiefs showed off their £38million Staffordshire Place development yesterday.

Photographers were shown round two striking new buildings in Tipping Street, Stafford, which have replaced 17 outdated offices. Bosses claim moving to energy efficient premises will save the taxpayer £250,000 a year for the next four decades.

The development, predominantly made up of light stonework and glass, welcomed its first county council workers earlier this year with more staff gradually moving in.

The new Stafford Register Office, based in the buildings, held its first wedding this month.

And Mayor of Stafford Stan Highfield was treated to the venue's first guided tour before 60 members of the public followed in his footsteps.

Environment boss Mark Winnington said the tours "highlighted the huge benefits and savings that the new buildings provide". He added visitors had been "positive" about the new headquarters.

Steel fencing was put up around the multi-million pound complex after cladding came away. No-one was hurt but thorough tests are being carried out to make sure masonry is secure. Fencing will be removed by the end of January.