Should County Hall be sold?
RESIDENTS AND DEVELOPERS TO BE ASKED FOR VIEWS ON ITS FUTURE
THE potential sale of an “iconic” Nottinghamshire landmark is moving a step closer.
Nottinghamshire County Council first revealed last year that it intended to leave its historic County Hall headquarters in West Bridgford, having occupied it since 1946.
The decision was made as the Conservative-led council says County Hall would have needed essential maintenance costing more than £30m over the next 12 years, with a further £28m needed to bring the building up to modern standards.
The council plans to move out of County Hall next year to a new headquarters at the Top Wighay development in Hucknall.
The county council now says an online survey for residents, businesses and staff will run from March 6 until the end of month. Heritage organisations will be contacted directly, people living next to the site will receive a letter and developers will be contacted for their views.
Councillor Ben Bradley, Nottinghamshire County Council’s leader, said: “County Hall is an iconic Nottinghamshire landmark, particularly its famous green roof, so it’s vital we seek the views of residents, businesses, heritage experts and developers before a full business case is put in place. We want to make sure this building and site gets the new lease of life it deserves, with its heritage respected.
“With its riverside location along the Trent, being close to local amenities as well as world-famous sporting venues, we know what an attractive site this is for potential purchasers, developers and partners.
“With the potential sale of County Hall and the savings we’ll make by not running and maintaining it, will mean more money is available to spend on services.”
Concerns have been raised by some opposition figures about the sale of County Hall, saying money should not be spent on a new council office building. Councillor Jason Zadrozny, the leader of the Independent Alliance group at the county council, said: “Everyone knows the county council wants to sell County Hall to developers.
“They see it as the San Tropez of Nottinghamshire - with its riverside location.
“With major developers lining up to buy real estate – questions need to be asking the County Council are bothering to go to the expense of even consulting? It was only last week they spent thousands on a phoney consultation about axing concessionary tram travel.”
Work has already begun on the new Top Wighay office, which is due to be completed early next year. The council says it is part of long-term plans to reduce its buildings from 17 down to nine.