Nottinghamshire County Council has provided detailed insights into the ongoing transformation of its office estate, following recommendations from the Scrutiny Review of Council Office Buildings.
The Overview Committee will meet on 5 September to discuss progress made since the initial recommendations were presented in January 2023.
County Hall’s Future Under Review
One of the critical elements of the Council’s strategy is the future of County Hall, the historic core office base.
In a report presented to the Full Council on July 13, 2023, it was recommended that the Council relocate its civic, democratic, and leadership functions to a new office site near Hucknall. This new facility is set to be completed in 2025 and will serve as a modern, cost-effective alternative to County Hall.
The Council determined that County Hall, with its high costs, low occupancy levels, and substantial environmental impact, is no longer suitable as the core office base.
The decision has triggered the development of a formal options analysis and business case for the site’s future use. This process will include extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation, taking into account the site’s heritage.
Public Engagement: A Strong Response
The Council’s efforts to involve the public in its decision-making process have been met with strong engagement. An online survey conducted in March 2024 garnered 1,628 responses, with a significant majority of 1,521 from residents.
The survey revealed overwhelming support for retaining key features of the County Hall site, with 85% of respondents in favor of preserving the iconic H-block building and 86% valuing the views of the site from across the river and from Loughborough Road.
Moreover, 70% of participants viewed the development of the existing car park as a prime opportunity for regeneration, and 77% supported improvements to the riverside environment. There was also considerable support (73%) for the belief that the site’s development could boost economic growth, with 60% agreeing that adding more hospitality businesses would benefit the area.
Financial Outlook: Oak House Project on Track
The financial implications of the Council’s office rationalisation are significant. The Oak House project, which is a part of the broader Linby Meadows development, is currently within budgetary expectations.
With an approved capital budget of £22.6 million, the project has so far spent £8.09 million, with an additional £12.68 million forecasted for the 2024/25 fiscal year. The Council has committed to close financial monitoring of the project, ensuring it remains within budget.
Communication
The Council has emphasised the importance of transparency and communication throughout this process. Externally, the narrative has focused on the long-term savings for taxpayers and the environmental benefits of consolidating council services into more efficient buildings. Internally, staff are kept informed via an online hub and regular updates from the project team.
Next Steps
As the Council continues to explore the future of County Hall and advances the Oak House project, further reports are expected later in the autumn. The Outline Business Case for County Hall’s redevelopment, informed by public feedback, will be a focal point of these discussions.
