Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 16, 2026

Purpose: The council's main office in Cecil Street has experienced significant change in the last few years. Due to this, an Cecil improvements team has been put together to identify areas of enhancement.   The initial phase of this project focuses on reconfiguring the ground floor of the main office. This will create a safer and more secure environment for both staff and visitors. Key changes include the relocation of Partnership One from The Gateway and the establishment of a secure interview room.

Content: Cabinet agreed the following recommendations:   1.  To approve the key decision to procure and award the contracts to the successful bidders for the ground floor redesign and refurbishment of the Council's Main office in Cecil Street, where it exceeds the key decisions threshold of £250,000;   2.  That the Director of Corporate Services and the Section 151 Officer shall negotiate the final terms and sign the contract with the successful bidder.

Reasons for the decision: The proposed reconfiguration and refurbishment of the main office ground floor is an important step. This project would significantly benefit the council's operations, as the current layout could be improved to better support working practices and enhance safety and security.   The improved space is designed to enhance the experience for visitors and staff by offering a much better, more secure reception area, along with a private, dedicated room for internal staff meetings and confidential interviews.

Alternative options considered: The council could do nothing; however, this was rejected as Partnership One would have to stay in an unsuitable place, and important interviews would have to be held in the main, less secure offices instead of a new, private, secure room on the ground floor.   The council could refurbish all floors of the Cecil Street office and fully implement a decarbonisation plan; however, this was rejected as the costs for the decarbonisation work would be high and potentially clash with the planned Local Government Reorganisation.