Issue - meetings

(Any questions in relation to the exempt version of this report and the exempt appendix must be asked in private session, following Executive resolution to exclude the press and public)

Report of Corporate Director of Resources

Purpose of report

This report seeks approval of the Business Case to commence work on the project of relocating the Council’s administrative headquarters from Bodicote House to Castle Quay 

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To approve the Business Case for the relocation of the Council Offices from Bodicote House to Castle Quay.

1.2         To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property, to initiate a project to relocate the administrative offices of the Council to Castle Quay

1.3         To recommend to the Council to approve an increase in the Capital Programme of £4.5m towards the delivery of this project in order to authorise expenditure for the project    

Resolved

(1)          That the Business Case for the relocation of the Council Offices from Bodicote House to Castle Quay be approved.

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property, to initiate a project to relocate the administrative offices of the Council to Castle Quay

(3)          That Council be recommended to approve an increase in the Capital Programme of £4.5m towards the delivery of this project in order to authorise expenditure for the project    

The press and public having been readmitted to the meeting and the recommendations proposed and seconded, the Chairman moved to the vote.  

Resolved

(1)          That the Business Case for the relocation of the Council Offices from Bodicote House to Castle Quay be approved.

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Property, to initiate a project to relocate the administrative offices of the Council to Castle Quay

(3)          That Council be recommended to approve an increase in the Capital Programme of £4.5m towards the delivery of this project in order to authorise expenditure for the project    

Reasons

The Council has reviewed the existing office provision over a number of years, cumulating with this final review. It has been ascertained that the most economically advantageous provision of office accommodation would be to relocate to the Castle Quay Shopping Centre. Whilst this is financially the most appropriate provision of accommodation, it also aligns to the aspirations of creating a multi-use hub at Castle Quay, acting as a catalyst for the regeneration of Banbury Town Centre. The option also has the potential to redevelop the current Bodicote House site (separate decision) and works towards the Council’s environmental aspirations in enabling a more efficient office environment with greater public transport connectivity to the site

Alternative options

A number of alternative options were considered and deemed to be less favourable than the recommendation herein, particularly from a financial perspective; these options and reasons for rejection are detailed at length in the exempt Business Case.