The Appendices to the interleaved report were the subject of a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting as they contained exempt information relating to the business or financial affairs of any particular person.
We received an introduction to the report by the Cabinet Member for resources and we acknowledged the wonderful opportunity there was to revitalise Woodside House by relocating the existing Civic Ceremonial functions and registrars service into the heart of the Park. With regard to the proposed refurbishment we were advised that investment in a heritage building would provide a modern state of the art council chamber, meeting rooms and civic space, a sustainable civic building, and provide attractive facilities for the registrar service.
We acknowledged that consideration would need to be made as to when the best time to sell the current civic centre site would be.
We noted that this proposal was in line with the accommodation strategy and provided value for money. Alternative options to Woodside House have been explored and had been rejected.
We noted that all the existing users of Woodside House, including the drop in provision would be found alternative accommodation in the area and their services re-provided. There were a number of options being considered and current users would be kept fully informed. The concerns regarding consultation and provision of information to the users of Woodside House were noted, together with those of a leaseholder of a building in the park. Contact had been made with relevant groups and individuals by officers, further contact would be made. There would be opportunity for all stakeholders to engage and express views on the proposals during the pre-planning consultation planned for end August and beginning of September.
We received a number of comments from Councillor Gorrie in respect of the proposals and in particular that whilst there was acceptance in terms of the proposals, was Woodside House the best alternative location; given the current economic climate was this the best time to embark on this course of action; whether the proposed expenditure could be more usefully spent across the Borough and whether there was a need for a static Council meeting place; what had been the level of consultation in respect the existing users of Woodside House.
In response to a number of the points raised we were advised by cabinet member Councillor Adje that there would be opportunity for engaging with the public and users during the late August and September period. Organisations either using or operating at Woodside House had already been contacted. The proposed refurbishment would offer value for money and would provide a new civic amenity with facilities and a suitable ambience for meetings and excellent registrar facilities. The proposals had also been embedded in the Council’s accommodation strategy for a considerable period.
We commented on the need to ensure,in respect of relocating existing users of Woodside House, that the alternative accommodation be suitable to users and near to good transport links. In response to clarification we were informed by Councillor Gorrie that he was aware of one Local Authority who was considering the idea of a non static meeting arrangement concept, which in his view, was novel, and that perhaps consideration should be given to the possibility.
Our Chair stressed that there would be provision of alternative accommodation for all existing users of Woodside House. It was the case that in terms of currently unused council buildings in the Borough the Council was looking at bringing these back into use as it was a fact that the Council could not afford to have them remaining unutilised. The Chair also reiterated earlier comments that officers would continue to have dialogue and meetings with existing users.
The Chair then MOVED and it was:
RESOLVED: