PAPER B
RESOURCES SELECT COMMITTEE - 19 JUNE 2003 ACCOMMODATION REVIEW UPDATE REPORT OF THE HEAD OF PROPERTY SERVICES |
SUMMARY
Accommodation Review update.
ACTION REQUIRED BY SELECT COMMITTEE
1. That an accommodation option be worked up for GAGS.
2. To support the implementation on the Council Guidance Note for the Allocation of Office Accommodation.
3. Agree to a maximum capacity of an average of 8m5 per staff.
4. That all accommodation moves should be managed through Property Services.
5. The re-use of Jubilee Stores as the Council=s Call Centre. |
BACKGROUND
At the last Accommodation Task Group meeting Officers updated Members as to the on-going work in connection with the Accommodation Phase III Review, the details of which are set out below. Since that meeting Strategic Directors have also been consulted and updated.
• A planning application has been submitted for the land at Forest Road to change of use to parking for coach, bus and Council vehicles.
• A feasibility study has been commissioned for the renovation of the Vectis Building and a planning application submitted for its change of use to offices.
• The moves within County Hall and Jubilee Stores involving Select Committee Support, Committee Services, Policy I C T and Engineering Services are due to take place over the weekend of the 21st and 22nd June.
• Discussions are continuing with the NHS Trust over shared office accommodation, including the conversion of redundant buildings at St Mary=s Hospital.
• Talks have also been held with the National Archives Office in respect of providing improved facilities for the County Records Office on the Island. A number of sites have been identified and funding sources investigated.
• The fit out works at the new Corporate Store at Somerton are due to be completed by the end of July with Education Stores and Library Headquarters moving in throughout August.
• The next accommodation priority at County Hall is the relocation of Committee Room 1 to a more suitable location on the ground floor. The current view is that the Payroll Section will move to make space available for Committee Room 1. Alternative accommodation options for Payroll have been discussed with Senior Officers although at present no firm plan has been agreed.
GAGS
With regard to GAGS accommodation, at the Executive meeting held on 4 June 2003 approval was given to a series of moves involving Enterprise House and the transfer of the Training Unit from Bugle House to free up space for an interim Call Centre at Bugle House.
Unfortunately, since the Executive=s decision the Council has been advised that the proposed tenant for the first floor of Enterprise House no longer wishes to proceed. The reasons for this change are being sought. Officers have consulted with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and pending further marketing of Enterprise House it has been decided to put the proposed Training Unit move on hold at this time.
A visit by the Task Group to Newport Football Club has been arranged for 24 June 2003.
Contact Point : Tony Flower, Head of Property Services F 823263