86 Estates and Accommodation - BCP Civic Space PDF 495 KB
The creation of the BCP Council Civic Centre is part of the first phase in the council’s Estates and Accommodation Strategy, which aims to establish a ‘fit for purpose’ corporate estate that can effectively support council’s services and the delivery of its priorities. The November 2020 Estates & Accommodation Cabinet Report focussed on the remodelling of the officer accommodation areas of the former town hall complex as a priority. It also proposed setting up a Members’ Working Group to consider and lead on the development of the Civic accommodation, as a subsequent phase.
A Members Working Group was established in early 2021, to identify the needs of the civic space in the BCP Council Civic Centre. This report responds to the working group’s considerations and proposes additional investment in the BCP Council Civic Centre to ensure that the building provides fit for purpose accommodation to support the council’s democratic processes as well as the other functions that are typically delivered from the building’s civic spaces. Works would include improved accessibility and the adoption of technology solutions that support transparency and wider engagement in the council’s decision making. Whilst the original town hall presents challenges in terms of making changes or adaptations to the building’s heritage features, a pragmatic and prudent approach to cost has been taken to ensure value for money
Additional documents:
Decision:
RESOLVED that: -
(a) the remodelling of the BCP Civic Space as outlined in the report be approved;
RECOMMENDED that: -
(b) the Phase 1 project budget set out in Appendix 3 of £1.067 million, of which £0.611 million will be funded from prudential borrowing, be forwarded for onward recommendation to Council
RESOLVED that: -
(c) Cabinet authorises the commencement of the procurement process and delegates authority to award contracts to implement the remodelling project to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, and Corporate Director Resources, in accordance with delegated authorities and the council’s financial regulations
Voting: Unanimous
Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council
Reason
To approve the budget and procurement approach required to successfully remodel the civic space in BCP Council Civic Centre.
Minutes:
The Leader of the Council presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.
Cabinet was advised that the creation of the BCP Council Civic Centre is part of the first phase in the council’s Estates and Accommodation Strategy, which aims to establish a ‘fit for purpose’ corporate estate that can effectively support council’s services and the delivery of its priorities.
In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the November 2020 Estates & Accommodation Cabinet Report focussed on the remodelling of the officer accommodation areas of the former town hall complex as a priority, and that it also proposed setting up a Members’ Working Group to consider and lead on the development of the Civic accommodation, as a subsequent phase.
Further to this Cabinet was advised that a Members Working Group had been established in early 2021, to identify the needs of the civic space in the BCP Council Civic Centre, and that this report responds to the working group’s considerations and proposes additional investment in the BCP Council Civic Centre to ensure that the building provides fit for purpose accommodation to support the council’s democratic processes as well as the other functions that are typically delivered from the building’s civic spaces.
Councillor Filer addressed the Cabinet as Chairman of the Working Group which highlighting the work which had been carried out.
Cabinet was informed that works would include improved accessibility and the adoption of technology solutions that support transparency and wider engagement in the council’s decision making, and that whilst the original town hall presents challenges in terms of making changes or adaptations to the building’s heritage features, a pragmatic and prudent approach to cost has been taken to ensure value for money.
RESOLVED that: -
(a) the remodelling of the BCP Civic Space as outlined in this report be approved;
RECOMMENDED that: -
(b) the Phase 1 project budget set out in Appendix 3 of £1.067 million, of which £0.611 million will be funded from prudential borrowing, be forwarded for onward recommendation to Council
RESOLVED that: -
(c) Cabinet authorises the commencement of the procurement process and delegates authority to award contracts to implement the remodelling project to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, and Corporate Director Resources, in accordance with delegated authorities and the council’s financial regulations
Voting: Unanimous
Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council