We’re moving to the Library!
Rochford District Council is pleased to announce that its reception services will be relocating to the Rochford Library in Roche Close. The new reception area will officially open on Thursday, 2 January 2025, marking a significant step in the Council's continued commitment to maintaining a presence in the heart of Rochford.
The decision to move the reception services follows the approval by Council Members in March 2024 to relocate their back and front-office provision from South Street and reduce the council’s carbon footprint. And as part of the Council's dedication to ensuring that local residents continue to have convenient access to essential services, it was decided to keep the reception within Rochford and in a central location.
Rochford Council is thrilled to collaborate with Rochford Library on this project. By placing the reception at the library, the Council intends to enhance the convenience and accessibility of its services, while also encouraging increased community engagement.
We have provided some key information below that we hope answers any queries you have about the move.
Questions and Answers
What is happening?
Rochford District Council is moving its South Street reception to the Rochford Library and its back office offices to the Launchpad.
When is it happening?
Our new reception area at Rochford Library will open on Thursday, 2 January 2025, before that date our reception will still be based at our South Street Offices.
Why is it happening?
At a committee meeting in March 2024, councillors were presented with a proposed move of the main office. The approved report identified that the current facilities are at their end-of-life with over £570k worth of essential works required over the next 2 years, which is coupled with the ongoing revenue costs of the facility and its inefficiency with regards to energy and carbon use.
What does the move mean for me?
The main change is that the council's customer reception area will be situated in the Rochford Library. This means that you will need to make your way to the main library if you need to visit the council. However residents and others wishing to engage with us can access the Councils information and many of its services, including online application forms, through our website
What will happen to the departments which were based at South Street?
It was agreed the council’s back-office provision will move for the short term (no more than 2yrs) to the new Launchpad facility opposite Cherry Orchard in Rochford. This will assist the council in reviewing and securing the best option for the council for its long-term permanent HQ building.
The offices at the Launchpad will be for back-office provision only and customers will not be able to attend this facility.
What will the new reception opening hours be?
Once operating in the library, our opening hours will be:
Monday to Thursday: 08:30am - 12:00pm then 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Friday: 08:30am - 12:00pm then 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Please note, our reception services will be closed for lunch between 12:00 and 13:00.
How will I know where to go?
The address for the library is: 8 Roche Close, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1PX.
There will be signs and information posters in and around the South Street Offices for those who need help finding the Rochford Library.
What parking facilities are there?
Members of the public can use Back Lane car park or the market square car park where it is a short walk to the library. (There is a disabled bay within the Market Square car park and 8 disabled parking bays in our Back Lane car park).
We kindly ask that members of the public do not park on Roche Close, as it is a private road with active fine enforcement for those without permits.
How will I know who to speak to in the library if I’m visiting?
Our new reception area will be just left of the entrance as you walk into the library, which will be signed with our Rochford District Council Logo and our receptionists will have lanyards on to greet you.
What facilities are available at the library?
The same facilities that are currently at South Street Reception will be available at the library. This includes scanning facilities, access to the Council website, telephone to speak with an officer if needed, a private room for officer meetings if required and seats for waiting. There will be two Receptionists available to deal with customer enquiries
What will happen to the revenues and benefits counter days?
Our drop-in service will still be available on Wednesdays from 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00. Customers can still speak with officers via the customer phone if required.
What will happen to anyone needing housing advice or is presenting themselves as homeless?
Housing and homeless services are the same as before which is appointment only, and if they need to speak to someone they can do so on the customer phone or can fill out our Housing Option Assessment form.
What will happen to residents wanting to meet with someone from a certain department?
Members of the public can only visit officers in person at the library if they have an appointment, and if they don’t have a pre-arranged appointment they can be placed on our dedicated customer phone to speak to officers or a message can be passed on as appropriate.
Can members of the public still drop in to give us paperwork/letters etc?
Yes – they can either use the self-service pads on reception or hand them to our reception team. Our postal address will remain the same for now if you would prefer to send items by post and or cannot make it in person.
The library is closed Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays and open Saturdays, does that mean our reception will be closed/open during those times too?
No, the Council’s reception will remain open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday.
Although library staff will not be available on the days the library is closed, there will be self-serve facilities available for those needing the library.
What happens if I have an emergency before 8.30am and after 5pm, or on the weekend?
If you need to contact Rochford District Council about an emergency when our offices are closed, please ring 01268 527317.