A proposal to move the Council’s headquarters from its current location in Stockwell Close has been approved.
The Executive Committee’s decision agreed in principle to purchase the modern purpose-built office accommodation at Churchill Court, currently the home of Direct Line Group.
The move is projected to save currently an estimated £17 million taking into account the saving from not undertaking refurbishments works at the exiting civic centre site combined with the disposal receipt which would be generated from the sale of the Civic Centre site. There is also potential for reduced running and energy costs and providing a future income stream in rent from other organisations. As part of the negotiations, discussions with Direct Line Group include leasing back a section of the building for their Bromley office.
Councillor Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council said, “Whilst leaving our current home is a real wrench and tinged with considerable sadness for those of us who have been there a while, this move is of its time given the well-publicised pressures on local governments finances and the opportunities it presents in terms of integrating our services more efficiently.
At a time when intense funding pressures facing the Council continue to build, we remain absolutely determined to continue providing first class services to Bromley residents and this decision will feature prominently in helping us to deliver that ambition.”
The Leader continued, “We are publicly sharing this information as early as we can and the patience of both residents and staff is appreciated whilst further detail continues to be worked on. Further news will of course follow at the earliest possible opportunity upon completion of that process.”
The proposed purchase of Direct Line Group’s offices, which remains subject to contract, would support a modern and efficient style of working and support the Council’s financial position. It is envisaged that the proposal would see the council relocating in the early part of 2024, with the proposal subject to ratification at the next Council meeting. The ongoing commercial sensitivities meant that the proposed agreed purchase cost remains confidential at this time.
The greenspace around the Civic Centre would continue to be accessible to park visitors, with the anticipated proceeds of the sale of the buildings helping fund the purchase of the new HQ site.
ENDS
Editor’s notes: The Council’s Executive met on Wednesday 30 November to consider both part 1 and part 2 proposals about future Council HQ options, with some detail in the confidential part 2 report. The decision is subject to the full Council meeting on Monday 12 December.
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk