The "Campus Concept" was given the go ahead by Windsor councillors as the design of choice for a new city hall at their regular meeting Monday evening.

The architect says the design was inspired by the positive changes Diarmuid Nash sees happening in the downtown. The new facility will stand next to the current building at 350 City Hall Square W.

It will feature large and more accessible council chambers and space for hundreds of employees. City Councillor, Bill Marra, says a new city hall has been discussed for decades and is finally becoming a reality.

In January, council gave the go ahead to spend nearly $35 million on the construction of a new city hall. It’s money that’s already been allocated in past and future budgets.

Construction is expected to start by the end of next year and is scheduled to wrap up by 2017. After employees move into the new building, the existing City Hall will be demolished.

Public consultation will continue as people will be given opportunities to present ideas in terms of environmental sustainability.