Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Finance

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/324

Contact: Chris Dyer, Operational Manager & Senior Project Lead (Major Projects), Property Services

chris.dyer@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Executive Director of Resources & Section 151 Officer (CA14)

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    progress Option 2: ‘Consolidation in Speedwell House and disposal of County Hall’ as the preferred option and progress the project through the Council’s capital governance and reporting processes, noting the financial position.

b)    To engage the market to assess interest in both New and Old County Hall to inform a final decision on Old County Hall’s future.

It was agreed that there was no need to go into private session.

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet agreed that there was no need to go into private session for this item.

Cabinet had before it a report regarding the options for the Council’s office accommodation City Centre which were being considered as part of the Property and Assets Strategy approved in November 2022. This strategy set out the Council’s 10-year ambition for its property portfolio driven by the need to repurpose the estate to enable new ways of delivering services, support agile working and decarbonise existing buildings.

The Strategy had confirmed the continued need for a core central office and democratic facilities in Oxford city centre based on its central location, historical significance, strong public transport links, access to a larger workforce and the range of facilities in the city. A cross party Cabinet Advisory Group (CAG) was established in February 2023 to provide guidance and feedback to the Cabinet Member for Finance, on the development of options and a business case to deliver the objectives.

Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report.

The Director of Property Services referred the benefits of the move to a Council-owned property and the associated regeneration of an area of Oxford City Centre which were explained in the report. 

During discussion, members referred to the need for careful consideration of the future use of the County Hall site in view of its historic social and value and the benefits for residents and staff resulting from the move to a refurbished building more suited to present day needs. Members also referred to the economic factors involved in the consideration of the options and the need to ensure that best value was taken into account.

Councillor Levy moved and Councillor Gant seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:

a)    progress Option 2: ‘Consolidation in Speedwell House and disposal of County Hall’ as the preferred option and progress the project through the Council’s capital governance and reporting processes, noting the financial position.

b)    To engage the market to assess interest in both New and Old County Hall to inform a final decision on Old County Hall’s future.