Construction of the new Flowery Branch City Hall is set to start in February, with the new building expected to be finished next winter, officials said Tuesday.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. Jan. 31 at the site at 5318 Railroad Ave. If it rains, the ceremony will be held at administration and planning offices at 5512 Main St.

The 18,000-square-foot building will house administrative and planning offices, the Flowery Branch Police Department, Flowery Branch Municipal Court and a meeting room for the Flowery Branch City Council.

Also, the building can house community events for up to 200 people.

The $5 million project has been has been a longtime goal for the city. Currently, city offices and police are in several buildings on Main Street, including City Hall, which has cramped work spaces and a council meeting room.

By freeing up space on Main, “we really think this (project) is going to bring in some more businesses and get (city offices) more organized and the city set for moving forward,” City Manager Bill Andrew has said.