Post by Poundbury on Jun 23, 2008 14:15:54 GMT 1
www.thisisdorset.net/display.var.2357747.0.poundbury_may_be_new_district_hq.php
Poundbury may be new district HQ
By Miriam Phillips
POUNDBURY could be the new home for West Dorset District Council.
The authority has identified Prince Charles's development as one of three potential sites.
The council is seeking to move out of unsuitable and expensive Stratton House in Dorchester.
The two other possibilities for a new headquarters are the Brewery Square development and the Charles Street development.
Consultancy group Bruton Knowles is working for the council to investigate which of the premises is the most economical for taxpayers.
They will report back to councillors before a decision is made in January 2009.
The shortlist comes after the council voted in favour of abandoning its historic head-quarters in High West Street because of its soaring maintenance and heating costs.
A report stated that the council would have to spend £9.5 million on the building over the next 25 years and that it would be a cheaper option to relocate.
It is estimated to cost £3 million less to relocate offices, including running costs spread over 25 years. The initial report by the consultants will be looked at by the council's executive committee on June 26. It is based on a new site for 300 full-time staff.
The consultants have already looked at 14 potential sites in Dorchester.
The six sites that most meet the criteria are Middle Fairfield car park, Top o' Town car park, Mara-bout estate, the Charles Street development, Poundbury and the Brewery Square development. The recommendation being put to councillors is that the consultants will now go ahead and undertake financial negotiations with developers about the three shortlisted sites.
The choice will be between procuring a new building already in construction or a planned development or designing and building on a new site.
The Charles Street development is still going through planning permission consultations but it is planned to include shops, houses and parking. It is planned for the area now covered by the town centre car parks.
The 12-acre Brewery Square development on the former Eldridge Pope site is currently under construction. Plans include an 85-bedroom hotel, a civic square and 613 homes.
The third option is for a new building on undeveloped land at Poundbury.
Consideration will also be given to relocating the Tourist Information Centre, the Housing Advice Centre and the Citizens Advice Bureau at the same time.
The council's existing offices in High West Street include the Old Crown Court room and cells.
The council had hoped to redevelop the historic heart of the building as a rough justice' attraction a decade ago but failed to secure lottery funding.
Poundbury may be new district HQ
By Miriam Phillips
POUNDBURY could be the new home for West Dorset District Council.
The authority has identified Prince Charles's development as one of three potential sites.
The council is seeking to move out of unsuitable and expensive Stratton House in Dorchester.
The two other possibilities for a new headquarters are the Brewery Square development and the Charles Street development.
Consultancy group Bruton Knowles is working for the council to investigate which of the premises is the most economical for taxpayers.
They will report back to councillors before a decision is made in January 2009.
The shortlist comes after the council voted in favour of abandoning its historic head-quarters in High West Street because of its soaring maintenance and heating costs.
A report stated that the council would have to spend £9.5 million on the building over the next 25 years and that it would be a cheaper option to relocate.
It is estimated to cost £3 million less to relocate offices, including running costs spread over 25 years. The initial report by the consultants will be looked at by the council's executive committee on June 26. It is based on a new site for 300 full-time staff.
The consultants have already looked at 14 potential sites in Dorchester.
The six sites that most meet the criteria are Middle Fairfield car park, Top o' Town car park, Mara-bout estate, the Charles Street development, Poundbury and the Brewery Square development. The recommendation being put to councillors is that the consultants will now go ahead and undertake financial negotiations with developers about the three shortlisted sites.
The choice will be between procuring a new building already in construction or a planned development or designing and building on a new site.
The Charles Street development is still going through planning permission consultations but it is planned to include shops, houses and parking. It is planned for the area now covered by the town centre car parks.
The 12-acre Brewery Square development on the former Eldridge Pope site is currently under construction. Plans include an 85-bedroom hotel, a civic square and 613 homes.
The third option is for a new building on undeveloped land at Poundbury.
Consideration will also be given to relocating the Tourist Information Centre, the Housing Advice Centre and the Citizens Advice Bureau at the same time.
The council's existing offices in High West Street include the Old Crown Court room and cells.
The council had hoped to redevelop the historic heart of the building as a rough justice' attraction a decade ago but failed to secure lottery funding.
