Purpose

The Ringwood Depot Accommodation Refurbishment
project seeks to provide a significant improvement to the existing
facilities, which are at end of economic life and no longer fit for
purpose. The project was originally allocated £250,000 of
capital funding in the 2025/2026 financial year, but following a
reassessment of the project scope, extensive market testing and end
user engagement, this budget is not proportionate to the scale of
improvements required to the site.

At Cabinet on Wednesday 2 July 2025, it was stated that there had
been positive variations within the General Fund totalling
£3.366 million, that would enable £500,000 to be
allocated to the Capital Programme for welfare improvements across
the Council’s depot estate.

By supplementing the existing budget, the improvement works can
take a whole-site approach, and include enhancements to lighting,
fencing, site layout and bay markings, washdown repairs, the
install of a washdown screen, and new storage facilities. It will
also ensure that adequate provision of welfare facilities can be
provided to frontline staff working at this depot.

Decision

Transfer up to £350,000 of the
£500,000 earmarked in the Council’s Capital Programme
to support welfare improvements across the Council’s depot
estate to the Ringwood Depot Accommodation Refurbishment
project.