Council Trials Building Closure to Cut Utility Costs and Optimise Resources

The one-day per week trial closure is part of a project to consider the future use of the building ahead of a proposed move towards closing the building for two days a week, which was agreed by full council earlier this year as part of the 2024/25 budget savings proposals.

Full council agreed to the move to close the building two days a week in order to recoup savings through a reduction in utility costs.

During the trial, the council will assess the practicalities of closing the building for one day per week.

The assessment will review the impact the closure has on residents, staff and council members while also ensuring the council is making the best use of its available resources.

Results from the assessment will then allow us to determine future phases of the project.

Many of the council’s public-facing services already operate out of the central library, museum and art gallery building in John Frost Square.

Council officers who normally work out of the civic centre on a Friday will be able to use other council offices or work remotely in line with the council’s flexible working policies.