Issue - meetings

This report seeks Members’ approval to revise the current approved administrative accommodation strategy in the light of ongoing work for space planning in relation to the move to the new Council headquarters at West Offices.

RESOLVED:             That the Cabinet make the following in principle decisions, pending consideration by the Scrutiny Management (Calling In) Committee on 30 January 2012:

  i)     That the status of the Guildhall and St Anthonys House in relation to the Administrative Accommodation Strategy is revised in line with this report.

ii)      That further work is progressed to develop future use and development options in relation to the Guildhall site in line with the finalised Conservation and Heritage Plan for the site, bearing in mind the requirement for continued use of the Council Chamber.

iii)     That work is undertaken to assess the requirements of the political groups in relation to space and accommodation needs in West Offices.

iv)      That the Director of City Strategy be authorised to commence initial discussions with third parties regarding possible property options to support the long term use, custodianship or ownership, viability and maintenance of both the Guildhall and St Anthonys House

REASON:                To manage the Council’s property assets in an economic and efficient manner in line with corporate objectives.

The Cabinet considered a report which sought their approval to revise the current administrative accommodation strategy in the light of ongoing space planning in relation to the move to West Offices.

In December 2005 it had been envisaged that the Guildhall would continue to be the centre of democratic activity with the Council Chamber and existing meeting rooms being used for formal decision making meetings. With the development of West Offices however, it had been found that a major part of the political meeting needs could now be accommodated at the new HQ. It had therefore been felt appropriate to review the future of the Guildhall complex and St Anthony’s House within the strategy.

The issues that would influence any decision in respect of the future use and development of the Guildhall complex were listed at paragraphs 7 and 8 of the report. 

Members referred to difficulties encountered with the continued use of the Guildhall for meetings, including accessibility and the need for investment. It was acknowledged however, that the value of the Guildhall to members and residents would not be under estimated. It was also confirmed that all options, including serviced accommodation would be examined to secure the future of the complex.

As this matter was the subject of a pre-decision call in the Cabinet were minded to make an in principle decision pending further consideration by the SMC (Calling In) Committee.

Following further lengthy discussion it was

RESOLVED:             That the Cabinet make the following in principle decisions, pending consideration by the Scrutiny Management (Calling In) Committee on 30 January 2012:

  i)     That the status of the Guildhall and St Anthony’s House in relation to the Administrative Accommodation Strategy is revised in line with this report. ^1.

ii)      That further work is progressed to develop future use and development options in relation to the Guildhall site in line with the finalised Conservation and Heritage Plan for the site, bearing in mind the requirement for continued use of the Council Chamber.^2.

iii)     That work is undertaken to assess the requirements of the political groups in relation to space and accommodation needs in West Offices. ^3.

iv)      That the Director of City Strategy be authorised to commence initial discussions with third parties regarding possible property options to support the long term use, custodianship or ownership, viability and maintenance of both the Guildhall and St Anthony’s House. ^4.

REASON:                To manage the Council’s property assets in an economic and efficient manner in line with corporate objectives.

[Note: The Scrutiny Management Committee (Calling In) meeting on 30 January 2012 confirmed these provisional decisions]