West Devon mayor Cllr Ken Williams cuts the first turf to mark the start of a £3.9-million self-financing business project at the borough council's Kilworthy Park premises in Tavistock. Joined by other borough councillors for the ceremony, Cllr Williams said the development heralded the beginning of a new era. He said: 'Our existing building has remained unaltered for almost 30 years so this exciting project will bring us into the 21st century. 'It will create a flagship, environmentally sustainable business centre.' He added that among other initiatives, the new buildings would include photovoltaic units on the roof to create electricity, rainwater harvesting, heat recovery boilers and sun pipes. Two separate two-storey extensions are being built and when complete will provide a surgery for an NHS dentist, new offices to rent, improved meeting areas including a first-rate conference venue for the community and a 'one-stop shop' for West Devon residents. The building project will be self-financing and is expected to be complete by spring 2008. The planned sale of the council's Oaklands Drive office site in Okehampton, which has been earmarked for much needed sheltered housing for the elderly, will help finance the project. While the building work is being carried out over the next 18 months, it is business as usual at the council's offices. Visitors to Kilworthy Park will continue to be able to park in a small number of designated spaces. As the council chamber is to be redeveloped, council meetings will be held alternatively at Hatherleigh Community Centre and Meldon Village Hall. For further information about the dates and times of West Devon Borough Council meetings, contact the customer services advisers of 01822 813600 or log on to http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk RIGHT: Cllr Williams cuts the first turf at Kilworthy Park. Picture by James Bird