Rochdale Borough Council has appointed Sir Robert McAlpine to build a new office, customer service centre and public library to replace its existing municipal office (pictured).

The building, which is due for completion in 2012, will provide open plan offices for around 2,000 council staff and other public agencies.

It will also include a new customer service centre to allow local people to transact with any part of the council, cutting the need for several ‘front office’ buildings.

The council’s existing offices, locally known as the Black Box, and bus station will be demolished for a £100m retail and leisure development.

Newcastle architect Faulkner Browns has designed the building.

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