Issue - meetings

To consider a report concerning the purchase of Crossgates House.

(Report attached)

The Committee considered a report, for recommendation to full Council, which sought approval for Officers to enter into negotiations with Worcestershire County Council to purchase their interest in Crossgates House.

Members noted that the capital investment, which would be funded from capital from the sale of Threadneedle House, would make a revenue saving of £14,745 per annum with pay back after ten years.  It was further noted that there was likely to be an increase in the rent following the rent review due in 2016.

Some Members did not support acquisition of the leasehold and raised issues in relation to staff accommodation at the Town Hall, Crossgates House and Bromsgrove District Council (BDC) following the District Council’s relocation.  Officers provided clarifications in this regard and confirmed that all three sites were fully used at present.  Officers agreed to come back to Members on the numbers of Officers based at the BDC offices.    

RECOMMENDED that

authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to purchase Worcestershire County Council’s leasehold interest in Crossgates House.