South Kesteven District Council is to relocate to a modern, open-plan office in a move that will improve business efficiency and working conditions, and save taxpayers an estimated £300,000 a year in running costs.
The switch from St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, to office space on the top floor of the town’s nearby cinema complex was approved at the Council’s annual meeting on Thursday (May 26th).
The Council Leader, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said St Peter’s Hill was an ageing asset that needed significant investment if it was to provide a modern working environment.
“We aim to be a competitive employer of choice making maximum use of technology to obtain value for money and supporting a workforce able to work flexibly to support all residents and service users,” he said.
“This move is a unique opportunity to rationalise the Council’s operations against the backdrop of continued financial challenges and to reflect the significant change in working practices accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Throughout the pandemic the Council showed that it could operate in a more agile way and no longer required such large premises and a blended approach of home and office working is seen as the most effective way forward.
Cllr Cooke said: “No matter how our services are delivered, the first consideration must be the needs of the business and ensuring that our residents and businesses receive high quality, value for money, services.
“We need to identify ways of reducing operating expenditure, maximising the use of assets and removing unnecessary costs.
“The move allows us to make best use of vacant Council-owned assets, eliminate significant annual costs that are being incurred at the present office location, and provide our staff with a modern working environment.
“The projected saving is around £300,000 a year, while the potential sale of St Peter’s Hill could generate a significant capital receipt. Crucially, there will also be a reduction in our carbon footprint – a key priority for us.”
Potential partnerships with other public sector organisations are being explored to develop a Customer Service hub in vacant ground floor units with the cinema complex.
The local Trade Unions have given their support to the move, which could be completed by March next year.
