WYRE Forest District Council’s controversial new £10.5 million headquarters will open its doors on Monday.

More than 200 council workers will be based at the building in Finepoint Way on the Stourport and Kidderminster border.

The project has been dogged by controversy since work on the building started in June 2011.

Earlier this year the original completion date was pushed back six weeks to July 30 and the move in date was moved back a month to October after IT links were not installed on time.

Council leader, Conservative councillor John Campion , said, however, the move would save the authority £500,000 a year in running costs in areas such as energy efficiency and not having to rent several buildings for council workers.

“Moving into Wyre Forest House is the single most important step in our transformation programme,” he said. “Saving money for the taxpayer and allowing money to be diverted to the front line.

“It shows how we are committed to modernising the council by providing flexible accommodation for our office-based staff and a fit for purpose venue for the formal meetings of councillors.

“I am very pleased and believe it will become an iconic public building that will serve the needs of the district for decades to come.”

Mr Campion said one feature of the new building would be the ability to webcast council meetings live from the chamber on the council’s website.

The moving of staff from offices at Duke House, Coventry Street and Green Street, Kidderminster and the Stourport Civic Centre is due to be completed by Monday, October 8.

Refuse and recycling, environmental maintenance and parks and rangers teams and the vehicle depot will continue to operate from Green Street.

“We will be organising an open day for the public later in the year when visitors can tour the facilities and learn more about the range of services we provide,” added Mr Campion.

The changes do not affect how the public contact the council online at wyreforestdc.gov.uk, by phone on 01562 732928 or in person at Riverside House, High Street, Stourport, Kidderminster Town Hall or Load Street, Bewdley.