25 June 2008
New build HQ to save money in the long run
A purpose-built Council headquarters will save council tax payers' money, and set an example for sustainability and energy saving at the same time.
Wealden District Council's Cabinet today agreed to begin a process that will lead to an environmentally-friendly headquarters being built at Vicarage Lane, Hailsham.
"For too long we have been operating from two headquarters which is an inefficient use of resources especially given rising fuel and energy costs," said Cllr Bob Standley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets. "A modern building could be up to 400 per cent more energy efficient than an office built before 1990. It will mean the cost of running the Council will be much less over a 25-year period than if we carried on with two main offices.
"There is still much work to be done as we seek to finalise the exact location in Vicarage Lane. We intend to keep any disruption to our partners on the Vicarage Lane site, as well as our own council operations, to a minimum. We will be working closely with the Hailsham MasterPlan as we bring these arrangements forward.
"This is a great opportunity to improve our delivery of services to the community and see if the benefits of a new building can be shared with other partners. The planned community development at Crowborough is progressing well, and we will continue to have a presence in the town. Wealden is one of largest districts in the south east and it is important the we think strategically about how best we can serve all our residents."
"This will mean change for all members of staff, particularly those currently based at Crowborough," said Wealden's Corporate Services Director Nigel Hannam. " We appreciate that change can be difficult but we will ensure that staff are kept fully informed and involved in the implementation as we move to a new headquarters."A cross-party working group of councillors, aided by professional consultants, has been reviewing at the options for office accommodation since January. After considering the key issues it recommended to Wealden's Cabinet that:
- A. The Wealden District Council single site HQ should be based at Hailsham with a new-build on land presently owned by WDC.
- B. Work should proceed on a detailed feasibility study including design work and discussions with partners and staff.
- C. Discussions should continue with the developer of the land at the rear of Vicarage Lane and other interested parties to progress the potential of a new build headquarters, with wider community use, in partnership with the developer and in line with the emerging Hailsham MasterPlan. Given the need to progress the single site project, that a time limit of 6 months be put on progressing an agreement in principle with the developer.
The recommendations have been approved by Cabinet .
A key issue for the working party has been that the new site should produce cost savings compared to the present two sites, but it has also stressed the importance of any future plans meeting our sustainability and climate change requirements.
"As we progress this exciting new scheme, we will be looking to get the best deal for the council tax payer, which will eventually include disposing of our current Hailsham building," said Cllr Standley.
