This week marked the beginning of a new era for West Dunbartonshire Council as the doors to its new home finally open.

The 500 staff members based at Garshake have now been welcomed into the new offices at 16 Church Street, Dumbarton – a project which represents a £15.4 million council investment.

With the council’s 1960s Garshake building dubbed “out of date”, “crumbling” and “in the wrong location”, the move is set to save the council £400,000 a year.

The new offices sit on the site of the former Dumbarton Academy, retaining the historic Grade A listed William Leiper designed facade.

Marrying heritage with a modern working space, the conservation project retaining the academy’s facade, completed in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, incorporates elements such as its original door and roof slates.

The building can now also be illuminated in different colours with controlled lighting to mark special occasions.

Inside, a new public reception and forum to the front of the building will aim to encourage the public’s use of the council’s online services – and staff will be on hand to assist.

There are interview rooms and meeting rooms, with space available for the public to hire, accommodating from 12 to up to 200 people.

An atrium features photography displays from last year’s West Dunbartonshire photography competition, informal meeting areas, a kitchen area and a big screen, sharing content such as breaking news and meeting schedules.

The “flexible” main civic space (yet to be officially named), will act as the council chamber, with changeable seating layout. Its public gallery, seating 30 visitors, is kitted out with speakers and hearing aid loops to maximise acoustics.

On the staff levels, workers have said goodbye to individual office allocations – now sharing an airy, open office space, with meeting rooms, to promote flexible working.

And environmentally friendly aspects have been integral to the design, including 40 solar roof panels, electric car charger spaces for council vehicles, bike storage, good quality showers for runners, and cycling promotion.

Together with those staff relocated to the refurbished Bridge Street offices and the renovated municipal buildings over the last 18 months, more than 800 of the council’s workers have been brought “slap bang back into the centre of the town”, says Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development.

In response to any concerns from members of the public surrounding the project cost, he said the move will bring huge advantages to the town’s economy.

“There are two really strong arguments,” he said. “There’s the positive benefits to the town. Around 800 people are going to shop and eat in the town centre which will have a massive impact on the local economy. And there’s the savings made by no longer having to deal with the upkeep costs of Garshake.”

Cllr McLaren said: “I’m just really impressed by the final product. The final year has been the icing on the cake. The final finishing touches are fantastic. Modern buildings have so many advantages. This is just the pinnacle of that.”

Members of council staff who have already been settling into the new building have also been impressed with their new workspace.

Helen Thomson, first line support analyst, said: “We have all settled in well and I am really delighted with the building, it’s brilliant compared to Garshake. It’s so modern and there’s a great vibe about the place.”

Kate Lawler, insurance team leader, added: “I have been pleasantly surprised. The clear instructions in the lead up to the move ensured the move was much smoother than we expected.”

While Craig Williamson, finance assistant, said: “Being in the heart of the town is great as I can pop out at lunchtime or go for lunch with my team.”

As for Garshake, the intention is for it to be demolished and sold off for housing.