East Lindsey District Council’s new public sector hub plans revealed

The designs have been revealed for East Lindsey District Council’s planned new £8.25 million shared base with Boston College.

The “public sector hub” is planned to be built at the former Horncastle Residential College off the town’s Mareham Road.

The development has previously been described as being a “smaller, fit-for-purpose” hub and could also house partners such as health and police services in the future.

In October, 2019, council bosses approved plans to set aside a spend which includes £500,000 to buy the site, £6.226 million for the council build and £1.524 million for the college build.

The council said the move would be “cost neutral”, being offset by the current £5.31 million running and maintenance costs due to the sale or development of Tedder Hall, in Manby, and Skegness Town Hall.

Assistant Director for Organisational Improvement and Development James Gilbert, said: “If we didn’t spend this money on the hub, we would simply be spending it on maintaining the existing buildings.”

It is hoped the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership will also contribute £1.52 million towards the build.

As part of the plans there will be a greater focus on council staff working remotely and utilising new technology, with a maximum of 150 desks for council employees and 40 desks for potential partners.

The entire first floor office will be open plan with no separate offices for council bosses.

Meanwhile, the new council chamber will be split into three partitions and will be available for use by weddings and community events.

Sustainable heating, lighting and energy plans will be included in the build including solar panels.

Assistant Director of Property, Business and Growth at the council Neil Cucksey, who is leading the project, said: “This build, we believe, is a metaphor for how we as a council wants to work in the future. It brings the perception of the council into a modern place and era.”

Council bosses also believe the new build will benefit the local economy of Horncastle, with staff being able to visit the nearby shops while the college will work with local businesses to promote local training and education.

The college would have access to four classrooms and ancillary space, as well as having access to council facilities such as the meeting chamber.

A planning application will be submitted by the end of this month, with the build itself hoping to be started later this year.

The first courses are hoped to start in September 2021.

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