Council office refurb 'causing controversy'

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 30-09-2010

West Dorset Council has received complaints about its plans for the redevelopment of the city's Charles Street office buildings.

The council has earmarked £11 million to relocate to new premises and claims this will lead to savings of up to £145,000 per annum to the taxpayer, the BBC reports.

However, campaigners claim this amount is excessive in terms of the proposed savings the council will make.

"The amount of money they are talking of spending is out of proportion with any productivity gains they are talking about," Mike West, co-founder of Dorchester Forum website, told the news provider.

He added that the offices have been used and maintained by the council for the last 40 years and now is not the right time for such large expenditure.

Elsewhere, Bristol council has set up a consultation to determine whether there is public support for a new 1.7 million sq ft office development in the city.

Posted by Adrian Norman