Office Accommodation Strategy
Monday 29th Apr 2024
Conwy’s Cabinet has supported a proposal to prepare a full business case to locate its office services at one location in Coed Pella, Colwyn Bay.
In a comprehensive report covering the background; the current situation, and the Council’s projected future need for office space, Councillors were asked to consider the options available to them, and decide what approach they wanted to take going forward.
Finance and Resources Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 22 May, and their recommendations were then presented alongside the full report to Cabinet.
At a meeting on 13 June, Cabinet agreed that the Council should prepare a full business case which, if viable, would deliver a one office strategy. That office would be Coed Pella.
Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council said, “I’m pleased that we have a clear way forward. I’d like to thank all the elected members for giving this matter their full attention and detailed consideration.
“Most of our staff are not office-based, they work in our schools, leisure centres, libraries or on recycling/refuse rounds, so it’s vital that our central services are organised as efficiently as possible to support that work taking place in our communities.
“We want to reduce our revenue costs, optimise the use of our assets, reduce our carbon emissions, avoid significant repair and maintenance costs, and perhaps create an opportunity for economic development.
“As part of progressing the full business case, we’ll need to consider how to ensure the long-term future of the Bodlondeb building, part of which is Grade 2 listed. Bodlondeb is a unique and attractive building, which could provide additional economic benefit to Conwy town and the wider county through re-purposing. But as its custodians it’s important that we also have due regard for the setting and surrounding public amenity. Of course, any proposed redevelopment would be subject to public consultation as part of the usual planning application process.
“I look forward to receiving the full business case early next year.”
