November 5, 2019 5.16 pm This story is over 52 months old

South Kesteven council’s ambulance station office plans revealed

It is hoped the investment will bring in cash for the authority.
Some of the plans for the new look ambulance station.

South Kesteven District Council is set to draw from a £10 million pot as it looks to convert a former ambulance station in Stamford into offices.

The authority’s cabinet will be asked to sign off on the move, along with plans to spend £180,000 on a building in Grantham planned for temporary accommodation and £83,192 on upgrading its IT systems.

The decisions have already been agreed by cabinet portfolio holders prior to the meeting, but will be examined at a meeting next Tuesday.

“The property, which is proposed for conversion will enable the council to bring it back into use,” say the council’s reports.

How the building currently looks.

“It is currently a vacant and dilapidated building and lies within an important part of Stamford’s town centre.

“The conversion could deliver office space to the market and to improve the street scene.”

Designs for the council-owned station on Elm Street, which will be submitted to planning officers at a later date, lay out office space for around 16 people.

The documents do not state a specific level of investment, but say the plan can access a £10 million investment and regeneration budget set aside for the purpose.

Designs for the inside of the converted ambulance station.

Reports say the council currently spends £1,300 per year, but say the development of the site “is anticipated to create rental income, providing the Council with an additional source of revenue”.

Cabinet members will also rubber stamp plans to spend £180,000 on a building in Grantham which it plans to convert into temporary accommodation.

A report before members outlines a desire to convert the building, which is not named in the report, into four one-bedroom, self-contained units.

“The proposal to acquire this site will provide an opportunity to provide social and affordable housing units that will provide an income stream to the HRA 30 year business plan,” say the documents, which predict a 5% financial return.

Designs for the inside of the converted ambulance station.

The authority is to use funds from its £5 million Housing Revenue Account towards the development.

The council’s ICT plans will look to improve how agile its employees can be – allowing them to work from hot desks anywhere in the district, home or external offices.

It is hoped the spend will help meet climate change objectives and reduce travelling costs.

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