Melton Borough Council's plans for its new headquarters took a major step forward after it signed an innovative office sharing agreement in partnership with Leicestershire Council Council.

Property lawyers at Browne Jacobson advised Melton Borough Council on the deal which will see staff from Leicestershire Council Council working alongside their colleagues at Melton Borough Council when its new headquarters in Burton Street are finally completed.

The accommodation will provide a more joined up service for local people. Working under the same roof will enable the authorities to share information and co-ordinate local activities more effectively and cost efficiently.

Plans for the new headquarters are currently at the planning application stage and the new building is expected to be ready for occupation in the summer of 2011.

Helene Maillet-Vioud, property lawyer at Browne Jacobson said : "It has been a challenge at times to come up with a legal documentation that reflects what both parties want to achieve in this unusual joint venture project but this is a very important step for both councils and shows their commitment to delivering better public services and driving down costs. It's an excellent example of Melton Borough Council maximising the business potential of the assets it owns and we are confident it will lead to further site sharing opportunities with other public service organisations in the area. I am excited to be involved in such a project and this type of flexible joint working arrangement could well set a precedent which other Council's may wish to follow ."

Malise Graham, Leader of Melton Borough Council said "The new offices give us a unique opportunity to work more closely with partner organisations and achieve improvements to service delivery whilst also delivering efficiencies with shared investment in property, systems and technology. We are delighted to have the County Council as partner for another project"