The proposed purchase of Bromley Council’s new Civic Centre headquarters has taken a major step forward with confirmation that the exchange of contracts had been completed.

The news follows the agreement in principle in December to purchase the modern purpose-built office accommodation at Churchill Court, currently the home of Direct Line Group.  It is anticipated that the council will complete the purchase in June, with some staff moving into the new headquarter building within weeks following the completion, with all services continuing to operate from the Stockwell Close site until early 2024, when the council will formally move into the new building.

Councillor Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council said, “As sad as we all are to be leaving our current home at Civic Centre, Direct Line’s announcement of their intention to vacate Churchill Court provided us with a once in a generation business opportunity which simply had to be grasped with both hands.

Councillor Smith continued, “In addition to saving a huge amount of money for local taxpayers at a time of severely heightened pressure to the council’s finances, and providing us with a regular rental income stream moving to the future, the purchase of these modern offices is intended to promote even closer working and co-operation between the council and our partner agencies, particular those from health, with whom we already share so many joint initiatives and dual working priorities.  I look forward with keen anticipation to making further announcements in this regard over coming days.”

Safe to say for now however, that when the sale of our current Civic Centre comes forward shortly, we will ensure that the Grade II historically listed Bishops Palace remains properly protected, including the greenspace behind it as well, which will remain as a public park for local people and visitors alike to continue to enjoy in the future, just as they do now.”

Direct Line Group’s Acting Chief Executive Jonathan Greenwood said, “Churchill Court has been a great home for Direct Line Group and we’re delighted that it’s now going to have a second life as the new Bromley Civic Centre. Our links to the area will continue both with our new office within Churchill Court and the many colleagues who are residents of the borough.”

As part of the plans, the move is projected to save currently an estimated £17 million taking into account the saving from not undertaking refurbishment work at the existing civic centre site, combined with the disposal receipt which will 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, including Direct Line Group, who will occupy part of the building. As part of the agreement, Direct Line Group will remain within a section of the building, for their Bromley office.

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.  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

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Executive on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.

Published: 15th May 2023