Agenda item

(a)       That the progress achieved to re-locate a number of services and staff to Unity House be noted; and

(b)       That the planned move to Unity House be supported.

                        The Chief Officer (Strategic Programmes) introduced the report to provide an update on progress of work on the move from County Hall to Unity House and on the work taking place with services and staff moving, and the interior design and layout of the building. 

                        The Chief Officer (Strategic Programmes) advised that this was a partial move and there would remain substantial employee numbers in Phases 1 and 2 of County Hall for the medium term.  He explained that a range of work had progressed to ensure the move could take place before the end of the calendar year which included building work at Unity House, work with service staff and unions to prepare for re-location, and work to procure an interior designer to complete the fitting out of Unity House.  He reported on the main considerations in the report which provided a full update on progress and planned work.

The Chief Officer (Strategic Programmes) reported that the services identified to move to Unity House were Social Services, Planning and Environment, Education, and Contact Centre staff.  The numbers of staff moving, desk space required, and car parking spaces available were detailed in the appendix to the report.   The intention was that Unity House would be one of the main office bases and would be designed for front line services which were not receiving walk in enquiries from members of the public but met members of the public and partners by appointment.  To ensure the move was a success additional plans were being developed which included a clear internal and external communication plan and a travel plan for access to the site.

The Chief Executive advised that the move provided the Council with an annual revenue saving and the estimated costs were planned to be contained within existing budgets.  He spoke in support of the partial move and explained that Corporate Services, Democratic Services, Members Services, and Finance would remain at the County Hall site in Mold until a long term decision was made.  Referring to the refurbishment of Unity House, he commented that the balance between a prudent investment and provision of a quality environment had been carefully considered and for a relatively modest investment the Authority had modernised the building and provided pristine office accommodation suitable for staff occupancy.  The Chief Executive also commented on the negative impact the condition of the building had on local residents and Council staff and said that the improvements had needed to be made.   

Councillor Billy Mullin spoke in support of the investment in Unity House and commented on the benefits of the building.  He said that staff were enthusiastic about the move and the improvements had raised staff morale.

                        Councillor David Wisinger suggested that a site visit for the Committee be arranged to Unity House.  He expressed concerns around the parking arrangements for staff and visitors.  The Chief Officer (Strategic Programmes) explained that careful consideration had been given to the ratio of staff to car parking provision and said there was sufficient parking spaces for the numbers of staff moving to Unity House.  He advised that agile working, flexible hours, and part-time working meant that not all staff would be based in the building at the same time. 

                        Councillor Patrick Heesom expressed concerns around the move to Unity House.  He said that some of the current services provided by the Authority could change due to the anticipated reorganisation of local government in Wales and this should be considered.   He expressed further concerns that some service users may have difficulty in travelling to Unity House and spoke of the need to retain the opportunity for the general public to have ‘face to face’  contact with officers if needed; citing planning matters as an example. 

                        The Chief Executive responded to the comments and explained that most service users in Education & Youth Services and Social Services received peripatetic services.  He commented that Ewloe and Mold were both well connected by road and public transport services and said services provided at Llwynegrin Hall, and Theatr Clwyd would remain as they are.  

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the progress achieved to re-locate a number of services and staff to Unity House be noted; and

(b)       That the planned move to Unity House be supported.