Staff relocated as council votes to save £10 million selling buildings
The county council say they will save money on maintenance and reduce running costs - with some buildings now 70 per cent emptier each day than before the pandemic
Last updated 11th Oct 2023
A so-called 'fire sale' of Devon County Council buildings could be voted through later to help save millions of pounds.
The Lib Dem opposition group claim it's not the right time to get best value for the six sites being sold in places like Exeter and Barnstaple.
But Conservative Council Leader John Hart says they have no choice.
The county council owns, leases or occupies over 1,000 assets in the county including around 300 'operational buildings' including offices, children's centres, libraries, an industrial estate and 64 farms.
Since the pandemic, the number of staff returning to work in the council's offices has increased but they are still only occupied at around 20% to 30% each day.
A report ahead of the decision says 'consultations are not proposed as staff relocations are planned within the immediate' locations of Exeter and Barnstaple.
Liberal Democrat county councillor Alan Connett said: "They plan to sell off assets at what might be the worst time while the property market has dipped to its lowest for years
"Among those listed for sale is Larkbeare House, the former judges' lodgings on Topsham Road, along with other properties including the Ivybank office in St David's Hill and Compass House in Magdalen Road, used for mental health support work.
"In Barnstaple, the St George's Road Youth Centre and an industrial unit in the town will be handed to agents to sell for the cash-strapped county council.
"Instead of taking action when these properties could have fetched a much better price, the Conservatives have dithered and now ordered a fire-sale of assets - just when the market is at its lowest for years."
He warned: "Also included in the fire sale is a prime piece of Exeter real estate - land at County Hall on which old offices were recently demolished. The county council says the land has potential for residential use. Here again, questions need to be asked about whether the council intends the land is used for luxury houses and apartments or much needed affordable homes for health and care workers."
The sites being looked at are
Compass House, Exeter
Larkbeare House, Exeter
Ivybank, Exeter
Former Matford Offices land, Exeter
St Georges Road Youth Centre, Barnstaple
Pottington Industrial Unit, Barnstaple
A study of the impact of the proposed changes can be found here
The report says the decision today will save £6-10 million and could reduce costs by £300,000 a year and avoid a backlog of maintenance of between £3-5 million. The sale is likely to cost £160,000 over two years between 2024-2026.