In a first mode, a control circuit generates a circuit design implementation with storage circuits in an integrated circuit by programming configuration memory bits via configuration resources. The storage circuits can be accessed for read and write operations during the execution of the circuit design implementation with the integrated circuit. In a second mode, the control circuit can perform read and write access operations at the storage circuits via configuration resources or via an interface circuit and interconnect resources that are allocated to the circuit design implementation. Typical applications for performing access operations at the storage circuits include fault injection and observation, statistical monitoring of the circuit design, initialization and distribution of certain signals including reset signals, event sampling, just to name a few.