PAPER E3

Committee :    EXECUTIVE

Date :              5 JUNE 2002

Title :              ACCOMMODATION REVIEW PHASE 3

PORTFOLIO HOLDER - RESOURCES

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

This report brings to the Executive Committee the results of recommendations from the Resources Select Committee and officers of the Property Asset Management Task Group. The report attached makes several recommendations including: the creation of a "Hub" approach, the allocation of accommodation under the Council's new structure, rationalisation of space, criteria for allocation of accommodation at County Hall, greater use of ICT and the ring fencing of resources.

Members are being asked to approve recommendations put forward by the Resources Select Committee.

BACKGROUND

Since local government reorganisation in 1995 the improvement and rationalisation of the Authority's accommodation has been the subject of a three part review. Phase 1 agreed a multi site approach, phase 2 delivered modern Member accommodation and phase 3 aims to improve utilisation of existing space and create a central hub at County Hall.

OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS

This report has been prepared in consultation with building users including the Asset Management Group and Sites Liaison Group with extensive input from the Property/Asset Management Task Group.

The Task Group has carried out site visits to all of the properties which form part of the review. The report has been presented to the Directors on 18th April and received their support.

The Resources Select Committee recommended the following :

           (i)        Relocation of Wight Leisure to Westridge/sell 17 Quay Street

First floor of the Guildhall to be display area, subject to grant

Coastal Management Team and Ventnor TIC to Salisbury Gardens/sell TIC

Relocation of Library Headquarters/sell existing site

Museum Workshop Team to Cothey Bottom/sell Quay House

Car Parks/Traffic Education Centre move - Shide/County Hall/Jubilee Stores

Surrender lease of Bugle House in 2006/move Training to Northwood House and relocate Wightcare to County Hall

Find future use for Enterprise House

Review Social Services and Public Records’ requirements

Clear Forest Road of buildings for Wight Bus operation/sell Carisbrooke Depot

The Wight Bus operation at Mountjoy be relocated to Forest Road

St Nicholas House retained for the interim

Undertake large project of flexible working at Seaclose

           (ii)       THAT only those costs directly related to the practical relocation of services be considered;

           (iii)       THAT it be recommended that resources be “ring-fenced” to enable moves to proceed, subject to each being justified on a business case basis;

           (iv)      THAT the Task Group be requested to review as a priority the allocation of services within County Hall;

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Your officers believe that the proposed moves and improvements can be funded within existing budgets with the intention to create a surplus. Your officers seek approval for the "ring-fencing" of receipts from capital disposals of existing office accommodation to fund the moves. At the completion of the programme a small surplus is expected.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

None.

OPTIONS

1.        Approval of the attached report by the Executive. The report includes the following recommendations:

           ●          Relocation of Wight Leisure to Westridge/sell 17 Quay Street

           ●          First floor of The Guildhall to be a display area, subject to grant

           ●          Coastal Management Team and Ventnor TIC to Salisbury Gardens/sell TIC

           ●          Relocation of Library Headquarters/sell existing site

           ●          Museum Workshop Team to Cothey Bottom/sell Quay House

           ●          Car Parks/Traffic Education Centre move - Shide/County Hall/Jubilee Stores

           ●          Surrender lease of Bugle House in 2006/move Training to Northwood House and relocate Wightcare to County Hall

           ●          Find future use for Enterprise House

           ●          Review Social Services and Public Records requirements

           ●          Clear Forest Road of buildings for Wight Bus operation/sell Carisbrooke Depot

           ●          The Wight Bus operation at Mountjoy be relocated to Forest Road

           ●          St Nicholas House retained for the interim

           ●          Undertake large project of flexible working at Seaclose

           ●          All resources are “ring fenced"

2.        Not to accept the report and its recommendations for submission to the Executive.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Option 1 above.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

None.

Contact Point : David Lovell, ☎  823266