Council Considers Plans for the Future of its Offices
Significant savings could be achieved by bringing most Bexley Council staff together on a single site, according to a report to be considered by Councillors next week.
The report is based on a review carried out by Donaldsons, a nationally recognised firm of property consultants which is part of the new Council's larger 'Value for Money' review seeking to achieve long-term spending reductions. They investigated the condition of the Council's current accommodation, future ways of working more efficiently and the potential redevelopment of the current Civic Offices site.
Councillors will discuss the results of the review at public meetings of the Cabinet Advisory Group on accommodation and the Cabinet (25 July). Discussions are at a very early stage and this is the first occasion the Council's new administration has had to debate the plans.
"Many of the Council's offices are reaching the end of their life and becoming increasingly costly to maintain and it is important that we plan ahead at this stage," explains
Cllr Ian Clement, Leader of the Council. "We need to establish whether bringing more people together on one site will result in real savings and also give us buildings which are flexible and help us deliver services in a modern way."
"We will only take things further only if it makes clear financial sense," adds Cllr Clement. "Value for money is at the heart of everything we're doing and the advice we've had so far is that the project could save us a significant amount of money in future years to help keep the Council Tax down."
If Councillors give approval to further work on the project, there will be extensive public consultation and any new developments will be subject to planning approval. The earliest date for any move into permanent new office accommodation is likely to be in 2010.
"Among a range of issues on which we would need to consult local people is the future of some of the existing Council office sites," says Cllr Clement. "I can give residents my personal assurance that we will listen to their views and consider their best interests in any decisions we make."
A number of existing Council sites are being considered as part of the review. Improvements to the public areas around the Civic Offices would also be considered as part of any redevelopment to benefit the town centre.
More details will be made available if the Cabinet gives the go-ahead for further work on the project at its meeting on 25 July.
