To approve the corporate property strategy 2016-2020 and to approve a lease for Elgar House, Hereford.

(a)   the corporate property strategy 2016-2020 attached at appendix 1 be approved and used to guide the development and delivery of the property programme; and

(b)       the acquisition of a 10 year lease of the property known as Elgar House, Holmer Road, Hereford, at an annual rent of £87k be approved.

The current corporate property strategy covers the period from 2013-2016 and there is, therefore, a need to put in place a strategy for the period 2016-2020.  The new strategy reflects the current and planned needs of the organisation, taking into account the new corporate plan.

The opportunity to secure a lease on Elgar House will ensure there is suitable office accommodation for the council’s planned establishment.  Acquisition of this property will give the council enough capacity to allow it to dispose of unsuitable and non-compliant premises. This will provide a working environment that will support more modern and efficient ways of working while costing less than maintaining the current operational estate.