The future headquarters for Bromley Council’s new Civic Centre is now secure following confirmation that the proposed purchase has been completed.
The once in a generation opportunity to purchase the modern purpose-built office accommodation at Churchill Court, the former home of Direct Line Group, followed news in May that the council had exchanged contracts with Direct Line Group.
The news means that some staff will move into the new HQ within weeks, with other services continuing to migrate from the Stockwell Close over coming months. All personal appointments will continue to take place at Stockwell Close until further notice.
Councillor Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council said, “The council is incredibly excited at the prospect of moving into such modern purpose-built office accommodation, as well as the opportunity the move will provide us with in terms of developing even tighter integrated working practices with key partner agencies at the same location. Add to this the huge financial savings we will also achieve by no longer needing to redevelop the current Civic Centre site to make it fit for purpose for twenty first century working practice and it became a very easy decision make.
“We are already in advanced discussions with a number of those partners, health colleagues in particular, and one of the early success stories I am delighted to relay is the earlier than anticipated opening of Bromley Town’s new Health and Wellbeing Centre at Churchill Court, which had been previously earmarked for the old ‘Adventure Kingdom’ building.
“Whilst leaving Stockwell Close is also tinged with real sadness, the council will also ensure that the Grade II historically listed Bishops Palace remains properly protected, very much including the greenspace behind, which will remain as a public park for local people and visitors alike to continue to enjoy in the future, just as they do now.”
The anticipated proceeds of the sale of the other buildings on the current campus will help to fund the purchase of the new HQ site.
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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.