South Kesteven District Council will officially move to its new headquarters on Monday (January 9th).
The Council is relocating to a modern, open-plan office on the top floor of the town’s nearby cinema complex in a move that will “improve business efficiency and working conditions, and save taxpayers an estimated £300,000 a year in running costs.” The switch from St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, was approved in May.
The Council Leader, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said St Peter’s Hill was an ageing asset that would have needed significant investment if it was to provide a modern working environment.
“We are embracing new ways of working post-pandemic and the new office provides the flexibility we need to do so effectively and efficiently,” he said.
“This move is a unique opportunity to rationalise the Council’s operations against the backdrop of continued financial challenges and to reflect the significant change in working practices accelerated by the pandemic.”
Throughout the pandemic the Council showed that it could operate in a more agile way and no longer required such large premises, with a blended approach of home and office working seen as the most effective way forward.
Cllr Cooke said: “No matter how our services are delivered, the first consideration must be the needs of the business and ensuring that our residents and businesses receive high quality, value for money, services.
“We need to identify ways of reducing operating expenditure, maximising the use of assets and removing unnecessary costs.
“The move allows us to make best use of a vacant Council-owned asset, eliminate the significant annual costs being incurred at the present office location, and provide our staff with a modern working environment.
“The projected saving is around £300,000 a year, while the potential sale of St Peter’s Hill could generate a capital receipt. Crucially, there will also be a reduction in our carbon footprint – a key priority for us.”
Potential partnerships with other public sector organisations continue to be explored to develop a Customer Service hub in vacant ground floor units within the cinema complex.
The Council’s Customer Service Team is temporarily based within Grantham Guildhall Arts Centre. The entrance is on Edith Smith Way between the Arts Centre and Grantham Museum and the office is open Monday to Friday from 9am-1pm.
The new postal address is South Kesteven District Council, Council Offices, The Picture House, St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, NG31 6TT. The main switchboard number remains 01476 406080. Other phone numbers also remain the same.
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