To approve the phased relocation of the data centre currently at Thorn Office Centre and the relocation of the Modern Records Units currently at Merchant House and Blueschool House to a co-located facility at Wallbrook Court, Rotherwas.

The Cabinet considered a report regarding the phased relocation of the data centre currently at the Thorn Office Centre and the relocation of the Modern Records Units currently at Merchant House and Blueschool House to a co-located facility at Wallbrook Court, Rotherwas. The report also requested Cabinet to note the update and follow-on actions from the Corporate ICT Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for ICT, Education and Achievement stated that the report sets out clearly the situation regarding the need to move from the Thorn Office Centre as the lease would expire in two years, the capacity issues in the current Modern Records Unit and that the current units were not fit for purpose.

A question was asked on the financial implications. The Leader informed Cabinet that funding for the project was contained in the 2009/10, paragraph 22 of the report refers. He also drew Members attention to the cost to the Council if these measures were not taken.

The Vice-Chairman for Strategic Monitoring Committee informed Cabinet that the Scrutiny Review Group had endorsed the need for ICT to move from its current location and he strongly commended the proposal.

The Cabinet Member for ICT, Education and Achievement referred to the anticipated timescale of November 2009 for the combined move, although he hoped that an earlier date of June might be feasible.

The Leader stated that by placing the Data Centre at Rotherwas would provide a broadband service capable of supporting Herefordshire Council and the businesses at Rotherwas currently suffering from a poor or no broadband service. The Cabinet Member for Resources asked about the likely speed capability of the broadband service.

The Programme Manager for Hereford Connects stated that the new data centre would give an option at a later stage to offer help to other businesses at Rotherwas however, this was dependent on British Telecom (BT) and talks were currently in progress with BT.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources in agreeing with the proposals, took the view that this was an important opportunity to work in partnership and that every effort should be made to fast track the relocation.

RESOLVED

That:

(a)               the Thorn Office Centre Data Centre and the Modern Records Units at Merchant House and Blueschool House be relocated to a co-located facility at Wallbrook Court, Rotherwas;

(b)               approval be given to begin work on the relocation project;

(c)               approval be given to fund the project; and

(d)               the Corporate ICT Strategy update be noted.