Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources providing proposals as to viable options for ongoing office accommodation for City Council staff.

Please note that Appendix 3 is exempt from disclosure to the press and public by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person including the authority holding that information). If Members wish to discuss Appendix 3 the Cabinet will need to resolve to exclude the press and public before doing so.

RESOLVED that:

(1)      negotiations are commenced immediately with Gloucestershire County Council on current rental levels

(2)      the option to relocate to the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Summer 2022 is approved.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that provided proposals as to viable options for ongoing office accommodation for City Council staff.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources gave the background to the report and advised that this was the right time to review the office accommodation arrangements.  She summarised each of the options and the particular benefits of the Eastgate Shopping Centre, an opportunity that had not been available when the accommodation was last reviewed.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources reassured Members that a briefing and visit to the Eastgate site would be arranged for all Council Members.  The Cabinet Member for Environment highlighted the savings to be made with the Eastgate option and the additional custom it would bring to local retail businesses.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure pointed out that increased footfall would also benefit the markets.

RESOLVED that:

(1)      negotiations are commenced immediately with Gloucestershire County Council on current rental levels

(2)      the option to relocate to the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Summer 2022 is approved.