Agenda item

To receive the report of the Economic Development Officer

Resolved:

·         That the work hub in Bideford Town Hall not be delivered

·         That additional investigations be conducted to identify an alternative site with the potential for an on-site Manager

A joint presentation of this report was given by the Strategic Manager (Resources) and the Economic Development Officer.   The purpose of the report was for Members to consider changing the recommendation for the proposed Bideford Town Hall work hub and to cease investigations for the site.

When presenting this item, the significant potential benefits of a work hub in Bideford and the need for additional investigations to find a suitable site were highlighted. 

This matter had been raised at a recent meeting of the Leadership Team for Members to consider the next course of action.  It had been recommended that a report be brought back to this Committee outlining the changes in relation to costs. 

The Economic Development Officer detailed the additional works required, all at a significant cost.  He also reported that when the project went out to tender only one Contractor had submitted a bid, the implications of this meant there could be no negotiations on costs.  The Town Hall was therefore deemed unsuitable, requiring further investigations to be conducted to identify an alternative site.

When debating this item it became evident Members were supportive of the project, and were in agreement that the Town Hall was not a financially viable site. The following points were raised:

·         The uptake of a work hub – the benefits of a work hub for those working from home outlined by the Economic Development Manager included :

o   Living in isolation when working at home

o   There is evidence to indicate working together creates

                     productivity

o   Business support from ND+ would be available

·         Facility at Caddsdown – this is not an option, Caddsdown is normally 95% occupied and to change the IT infrastructure at this stage would be an increase in costs.    Other suggested sites included Bridge Buildings and the Library.  The Head of Paid Service referred to Bridge Buildings and the advice received from four separate Agents, all had made it clear that there is no call for offices in this type of building, people are looking for more modern facilities.  The Strategic Manager (Resources) reminded the Committee that Member recommendation for Bridge Buildings had been disposal.

·         The hub to be available only at certain times – it was explained there is a need for flexibility for those wishing to use the hub.

·         Projected costs to individuals and the need for a business to have a postal address – some hubs do offer a postal address service but was found to be a “logistical nightmare”.   The initial costs when proposing the Town Hall site were given.

·         To also look at life style and to the future.

It was proposed by Councillor Lock and seconded by Councillor Christie that an amendment be made to recommendation bullet point 2, to include that Bridge Buildings be investigated as an alternative site.

Following further discussion and confirmation that Bridge Buildings had previously been considered, Councillor Lock withdrew her proposal.

It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded by Councillor James and -

Resolved:

·         That the work hub in Bideford Town Hall not be delivered

·         That additional investigations be conducted to identify an alternative site with the potential for an on-site Manager

(Vote:  For 6, Abstentions 3)