Decision details

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation presented the report of the Executive Manager - Transformation providing an update on the proposals for new premises for Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation advised that the Police had given the Council notice that it wished to review its assets and had served notice on the Council to vacate the Police Station by August 2020. The Contact Centre was currently housed in the Police Station and provided a vital service, was well used and easily accessible by public transport and to provide the same services, the new premises would need to be located in central West Bridgford. The report highlighted the options that had been explored and the suggested way forward. The premises that had been identified would provide suitable alternative accommodation to the existing Contact Centre, with the costs being built into the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Inglis confirmed the suitability of the proposed premises. Although visitor numbers had reduced, face-to-face contact for many customers remained vitally important and had to be maintained. The 10-year lease option would also provide flexibility.

Councillor Upton confirmed that the new premises were ideally located and would link to other services in the town centre. Whatever future advances in technology, some customers would always prefer face-to-face contact.

Councillor Robinson noted that although the number of visits had decreased, the face-to-face service for many customers was vital and these new premises would continue to provide that and be well received by residents. It was an achievement that plans were already in place well in advance of the closure of the current Contact Centre and it was anticipated that the move would be completed by Spring 2020.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)         The Council acquires a 10 year leasehold on theproperty;

b)         The fit out of the property be undertaken within existing Council resources; and

c)         Subject to a) and b) the Council moves Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre to its new location in West Bridgford, to open in the Spring of 2020 and the financial impact of this be built into the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy going forward.

Reason for Decision

The premises identified provide suitable alternative accommodation to the existing Contact Centre in the Police Station.