Mayor Richard Parker opens base in Wolverhampton, saying it will bring him closer to the people
The elected mayor for the West Midlands has opened a base in Wolverhampton so he can be closer to the communities in the north of the region.
Richard Parker has opened the ‘Collab Hub’ at Wolverhampton Civic Centre, which has been launched on a trial basis following an agreement between the himself, the West Midlands Combined Authority and Wolverhampton council.
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He said having a base in Wolverhampton would help combined authority officers work closer with council colleagues and other partners on projects to improve living standards for local people.
It follows a manifesto pledge by the mayor to work more collaboratively across the region and have operational bases outside Birmingham.
Mr Parker said if the trial proved successful, the base, which is being provided free of charge by the council, could be replicated in other parts of the West Midlands.
He said: " This Collab Hub is about working shoulder to shoulder with our local councils and others to bring real change for local people quickly and effectively.
"I made a commitment when I was elected to explore how to make the work of the mayor and combined authority more accessible, visible and accountable.
“But I didn’t want any promise of a Black Country office to be tokenistic. It needed to be a useful base that works and delivers for local communities.
“I also wanted to make sure it did not cost the taxpayer more money, so I'm delighted we've been able to make this agreement with the council."
Councillor Stephen Simkins, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said he looked forward to welcoming the mayor and his colleagues to the Civic Centre, demonstrating the collaborative nature of how the council worked.
“The new hub demonstrates our commitment to public sector partnering, and co-locating in this way helps improve operational efficiency for both parties, ensuring we work effectively together for the benefit of our residents," said Councillor Simkins.
He added that it might also bring people into the city centre, boosting the economy.
The Collab Hub will be located on the first floor of the Wolverhampton Civic Centre in Cheapside and will provide space for the mayor and up to 10 staff members at any one time.
In return, the combined authority is allocating space at its Birmingham city centre headquarters for any visiting council staff who require it.
NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board already occupies space in the Civic Centre, and since November more than 500 Wolverhampton University staff have been based in the complex.
