Reading Borough Council is set to relocate eight services, including the Job Centre, Adviza and Reading Voluntary Action, from offices scattered across the town into disused space at Reading Central Library.

The project is designed to improve access to services whilst saving money on rent, and it is hoped all of the new tenants will have moved in by the autumn.

Council leader Jo Lovelock said: “There won’t be any effect on the library services but we hope this will make a big difference towards people who are looking for skills and jobs.

“We hope it will mean better use of that building but also having all these services under one roof will make it a one-stop-shop for people rather than being sent from pillar to post around town when they’re looking for help.

“The fact that Central Library is split over four floors and is wheelchair accessible means that, in many ways, it is the ideal location for this sort of arrangement.

“This is about making the best possible use of our buildings and adding to the range of services on offer and making it easier for people to access them.”

The council is focusing on its work with 16-24-year-olds as part of the Thames Valley Berkshire City Deal, which aims to slash youth unemployment in half by the end of 2016.

The services moving are Reading UK CIC, which will migrate from headquarters at Davidson House in The Forbury, Adviza, the City Deal service, Elevate Me, Connect Reading, Reading Voluntary Action, which is currently based in Highbridge House in Duke Street, and New Directions.

The proposal will come before the council’s policy committee on Monday.