Property Review

A report published today, 28 October, for the Harborough District Council Executive, advises the Council to sell or lease its surplus property space in order to fund fit for purpose council offices and civic accommodation for the future. 

The report is the culmination of a property review process that began in July 2011 to help the Council get better value from its town centre property portfolio.  It has explored the current condition of the Council Headquarters, the market value of Council assets and the view of staff on the current office space available.  The report recommends that the Council uses an established framework contract established through a European tendering process to appoint Willmott Dixon, the capital works, regeneration and support services company, to work up specific development proposals for the Council Offices, Settling Rooms and Market Hall.  The report will be considered by the Executive on 7 November. 

Councillor Mike Rook, Leader of the Council, said:

“This is a sensible response to a pressing problem for the Council.  Restructuring and recent efficiency gains have led to the Council having too much office space for the functions we need to deliver.  Our Headquarters has twice the floor space that we require and each surplus square metre costs £26 in running costs per year. We need to cut out unnecessary cost and put the council on a firm footing for the future.  The recommendations in this report will help us make better use of our property and deliver fit for purpose accommodation for staff at no additional cost to local people.”

The report concludes a detailed review process that has included market analysis, a condition survey, staff consultation and a wider debate across the District.  The future of the Market Hall has been the source of much public discussion.  Speaking on this, Councillor Mike Rook said:

“If the Executive agree, we will ask Willmott Dixon to work up detailed development proposals that include the Market Hall.  The Market Hall is a valuable asset that is currently only used part time.  It secures only a fraction of the income it could.  I do not know what the best development solution to this problem will be, nor precisely what that may mean for market traders.  What I can reiterate is that Harborough District remains absolutely committed to a market in the town and any change to the way we use the Market Hall is likely to be years rather than weeks away.”

The report recognises that acceptable proposals to fully fund ongoing accommodation for the council by better using the property portfolio may not be found.  If this is the case then the report recommends market offers should be invited for all the Council’s town centre property assets. 

The property review is a component part of Harborough District Council’s Future Options Review.  The final report of that review will be debated by Councillors in full Council on 31 October 2011.

The full report of the property review to the Executive Meeting of 7 November is available [here].

Comments on the review can be sent to futureoptions@harborough.gov.uk.