To approve the allocation and expenditure of £3.1m approved in the capital programme to bring forward phase 1 of a proposed refurbishment programme for the Shirehall and to secure enhancements to the adjacent Care Leavers Base

a)    To approve the expenditure of £3.0m for the purpose of bringing forward phase 1 of the refurbishment work proposed for the Shirehall building and £0.1m to secure improvements and enhancements to the existing Care Leavers Base, as approved in the current 2023/24 capital programme; and

b)    The Director for Resources and Assurance be authorised to take all operational decisions to deliver the projects described in (a) above and to spend within the budgets defined.

Alternative options:

1.     Not to invest in refurbishment of the Shirehall. The building is in poor and worsening condition, and falls short of both the practical and statutory standards necessary for safe use and occupation. If no investment is made then the condition will continue to deteriorate and the eventual cost to remedy will be higher, while maintenance and upkeep costs will continue, but with no corresponding value from the built asset in use. The parallel project to install a new Library and Learning Centre in the Shirehall under the Stronger Towns grant programme would not be able to proceed, and the council would be seen as failing in its obligations as custodian of an important historic and listed building.

2.     2. Not to invest in the improvements to the Care Leavers Base. This facility plays a key part in supporting the council’s commitment to Corporate Parenting by supporting Care Leavers and is viewed as investment which will improve the offering for this important area of work.