Agenda item

(a)  That it be noted that the Accommodation & Assets Board had been established and was responsible for the delivery of the HQ move.

(b)  That it be noted that the following major contracts and contractors required for the office move had been appointed and engaged:

§  Bouygues

§  Kier

§  Arvato

§  Ameresco

(c)  That it be noted that Bouygues had already commenced preparatory works in 25 Windsor Road and were working towards a target of providing occupation of the building commencing in May 2019.

(d)  That the assets now in scope of the town centre campus project included:

§  25 Windsor Road;

§  The Curve;

§  Cornwall House;

§  Landmark Place (until May 2020); and

§  St Martins Place

(e)  That it be noted that Arvato had instructed Virgin Media to supply the required fibre optic connectivity to 25 Windsor Road and that the installation of this crucial infrastructure was currently ahead of programme.

(f)  That additional resources had been identified and engaged to enable the delivery of the required ICT infrastructure.

(g)  That solar panels would be installed on the roof of the building as a result of the energy efficiency surveys that had been conducted.

(h)  That a further report on progress of the workstreams be presented to Cabinet in February 2019.

The Director of Regeneration introduced a report that updated the Cabinet on the progress of the HQ relocation to 25 Windsor Road.  Significant progress had been made in a number of areas and the project was being led by an Accommodation & Assets Board with several workstreams leading work on key aspects of the programme.

The Cabinet noted the progress that had been made including:

·  That major contractors had been engaged including Bouygues who were providing overall project support and fit out.

·  Kier would be rectifying some defects, under warranties, identified by due diligence.

·  Arvato would be carrying out IT work and Ameresco on energy efficiency measures.

·  The relocation had provided an opportunity to review the use of the town centre assets at 25 Windsor Road, The Curve, Cornwall House, Landmark Place and St Martins Place.

·  Work was ongoing on the options for the travel strategy, staff car parking and Fleet Challenge.

·  The Council had also begun work on a new customer experience strategy and the appropriate flexibility would be put in place in terms of the asset strategy to ensure they were aligned.

The Cabinet welcomed the progress that had been made and discussed a number of matters including the importance of making sure the fit out was well designed to ensure it was inclusive and accessible, including to those with disabilities.  The travel strategy was raised and Members highlighted the importance of engaging staff to maximise the opportunity to promote sustainable travel given the central location of the building.  The relocation also provided an opportunity to make a step change in the energy efficiency of Council buildings which Lead Members agreed was a priority.  The Cabinet also discussed the links to the customer strategy and the project timetable.  As the Customer Service Strategy was at an earlier stage it was agreed to move ahead with the HQ relocation project whilst ensuring there was flexibility to respond to the customer strategy.  The target date to occupy 25 Windsor Road was therefore May 2019.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the recommendations were agreed and a further report on progress would be considered in February 2019.

Resolved –

(a)  That it be noted that the Accommodation & Assets Board had been established and was responsible for the delivery of the HQ move.

(b)  That it be noted that the following major contracts and contractors required for the office move had been appointed and engaged:

·  Bouygues

·  Kier

·  Arvato

·  Ameresco

(c)  That it be noted that Bouygues had already commenced preparatory works in 25 Windsor Road and were working towards a target of providing occupation of the building commencing in May 2019.

(d)  That the assets now in scope of the town centre campus project included:

·  25 Windsor Road;

·  The Curve;

·  Cornwall House;

·  Landmark Place (until May 2020); and

·  St Martins Place

(e)  That it be noted that Arvato had instructed Virgin Media to supply the required fibre optic connectivity to 25 Windsor Road and that the installation of this crucial infrastructure was currently ahead of programme.

(f)  That additional resources had been identified and engaged to enable the delivery of the required ICT infrastructure.

(g)  That solar panels would be installed on the roof of the building as a result of the energy efficiency surveys that had been conducted.

(h)  That a further report on progress of the workstreams be presented to Cabinet in February 2019.