Agenda item

(a)  That Officers be granted permission to engage the existing contractors Paragon to

a.  complete the refurbishment of St Martins Place,

b.  secure a fast tracking of the demolition of the annexe

c.  to provide continuity of design and consistency of finish of comprehensive warranties across all aspects of the works ensure the same standard of staff and customer facilities is adapted across the board.

(b)  That the Town Hall Annex be decommissioned, and demolished to a fast tracked time-table as soon as possible to maximise value for money and secure the savings identified within the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

(c)  That the required space be made available to meet the needs of the additional primary school places which will be located in the old town hall building. 

The Cabinet considered a report detailing the progress made to date with the planned changes to staff accommodation and seeking agreement to commission the final phase of the refurbishment of the remaining wing of St Martin’s Place (SMP) via the existing contractor.  Members were advised that the report was being submitted as a matter of urgency due to the tight timescales to allow the works to SMP to commence without delay in order to facilitate the decanting of staff from the Town Hall annexe allowing it to be decommissioned prior to demolition.  Fast tracking the works to SMP and subsequent decant process would secure greater contribution of savings to the 2011/12 budget process (any delay on the budget would have an adverse impact of £150,000). 

Members welcomed the proposals as they aligned political priorities with savings and fully supported the fast tracking of the works.  Members noted that the demolition of the 1970s part of the Town Hall would assist the Council in achieving its carbon management target. 

In answer to a question from a Rule 30 Member, members were advised that there would be a requirement for community use of the accommodation within the primary school that would be located in the old Town Hall building.

Resolved, on the grounds of urgency -

(a)  That Officers be granted permission to engage the existing contractors Paragon to

a.  complete the refurbishment of St Martins Place,

b.  secure a fast tracking of the demolition of the annexe

c.  to provide continuity of design and consistency of finish of comprehensive warranties across all aspects of the works ensure the same standard of staff and customer facilities is adapted across the board.

(b)  That the Town Hall Annex be decommissioned, and demolished to a fast tracked time-table as soon as possible to maximise value for money and secure the savings identified within the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

(c)  That the required space be made available to meet the needs of the additional primary school places which will be located in the old town hall building.