"Construction work is now underway at the Welsh Assembly Government's £20 million showpiece mid Wales office in Aberystwyth.

The new office in Ffordd Parc-y-Llyn, will accommodate up to 535 staff when it's completed in 2009.

The response from the public to a two day exhibition in the town has been positive. A constant stream of visitors passed through the doors including students from local schools, colleges and the university as well as representatives of community groups and local businesses.

They were keen to hear details of the development, and to learn of any new career opportunities that might be available.

The recruitment sessions were particularly popular - so much so that an additional session was held to cater for the volume of interested visitors. Almost 100 people attended these specialist sessions over two days, and more than 140 further information packs were handed out.

The comments received were very wide ranging, covering everything from building design and construction materials, sustainability features, access, landscaping and car parking.

The majority of the visitors were very positive about the design and especially the sustainability features to be incorporated in the building.

This is an exciting development for Aberystwyth and Mid Wales.

The new office marks the latest stage in the Assembly Government's commitment to disperse civil service jobs into each region of Wales.

This is devolution in action, taking jobs out of the cities and bringing the work of government closer to the people we serve.

It also means that Ceredigion and Mid Wales will benefit from construction jobs, regeneration in Aberystwyth, with sustainable Assembly Government operations and new civil service career opportunities coupled with a working environment for staff that will be second to none.

We are going to use local supply and labour chains wherever possible, and a meeting has been held between contractors Carillion National Building, local suppliers and craftsmen to discuss business opportunities.

The Aberystwyth office will lead the way in 'green' building technology, and will achieve the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Appraisal Method rating of 'excellent' for sustainable development - the highest rating available.

As well as staff, the Aberystwyth office will provide a base for Ministers while they are in mid Wales, enabling closer direct contact with the public and partner organisations. It includes a variety of meeting rooms where press conferences, launches and public consultations can be held.

A priority in the design is to make the building as accessible as possible to the public. It will have an enhanced reception area with a dedicated 'one-stop shop' facility allowing the people of Wales direct access to the Welsh Assembly Government and its services."

Article by Rhodri Morgan

Phil Sharp from Newtown asks about the effects on wider Mid Wales:

Phil:"With this new centre for Welsh Government in mid-Wales, does this mean a cutting back of employment within the Newtown Ladywell House complex? If so, there aren't new jobs being created, just a transfer from one office to another?"

Cosmo:"If I can get a job there it means I can move home. I'll spend my income locally. This is what Mid Wales needs - better paid jobs for more people so the drain of young people (our future community) is halted. Now all we need is decent public transport to support it!"

Janet from Corris wishes the site had been put to a different use:

Janet: "I think this site has been wasted on the Welsh Assembly. What we really needed on this site was a good range of top class shops and some parking. Parking is a real issue in Aber and, already travelling 18 miles to get there, our nearest large shopping centre, there really are no major stores there to speak of - no M & S, no BHS, no Debenhams or PC World - we have to endure a 3 hour bus ride to Wrexham or Chester to get decent shops. Come on Welsh Assembly think of the people who live in Mid Wales and pay their rates give us some modern facilities and encourage some large stores to settle in the town. Keep us in Aber instead of Wrexham or Chester."