THE public have scrutinised designs for the multi-million pound transformation of the Isle campus in Wisbech - featuring a new regional headquarters for the county council.

The �11.5million project - the biggest single investment at the site since the 60s - will include a new technology block for students and a special engineering training centre.

But the other part of the investment will see a �6.5million building for Cambridgeshire County Council’s frontline and backroom services, accommodating around 240 staff.

These plans were layed out for public inspection at the Isle campus last Wednesday and a planning application for the development is set to follow.

The new council offices - with open plan office space and meeting rooms - are expected to allow for “significant efficiency savings by bringing a number of services under one roof”.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Steve Count, Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, said: “This project is a major development in Wisbech which will have benefits for the whole community.

The investment in the new engineering block will make a huge difference to generations of future engineers while the new council office will help us generate significant savings in the future.

“If the plans are approved we hope to start work on this new facility in the autumn 2011 ready for it to be ready to make a difference to people’s lives in the winter 2012/13.”