— CLIENT: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council
“The PLACEmaking team have been exceptional in terms of knowledge of their subject matter, their creativity and level of support given to this council.”
Summary
The Council’s office estate had expanded over time with key service areas dispersed in poorly performing buildings.
Services
- £700k annual savings in rent and maintenance
- £600k annual partner-generated income
- huge overall savings to the public purse for the district of North Somerset
- a 50% reduction in office accommodation
- a more flexible estate that was responsive to challenges
- a shift of approach meaning the council and partners were ‘users’ and not ‘owners’ of assets
- property being seen as an asset rather than an overhead
— North Somerset Council
Challenge & Solution
The Council’s office estate had expanded over time with key service areas dispersed in poorly performing buildings.
Ambitious targets for reduction in accommodation and carbon footprint impact, supported by the organisational commitment to business improvement and a desire to collocate with strategic partners, formed the basis of an outline business case for changes to the estate.
An ‘Invest to Save’ business plan focused on significant estate reduction – from 22 buildings down to 2 key hubs, increasing utilisation in the 2 hubs (up from 1450 to over 2050 people), therefore reducing the associated asset-based running costs and generating sustainable income from potential subletting. The Council was keen to attract its strategic partners (including the PCT and Avon & Somerset Police) with the opportunity to exploit lease breaks, reduce their own property costs and achieve more flexible terms from the Council ‘landlord’ at a time of economic change. North Somerset Council is delivering the ambitions of the Government and the GPU by maximising its property assets and reducing costs across the public sector in North Somerset.
Let's Work Together
Office
Box 18, Boxworks
Clock Tower Yard,
Bristol BS1 6QH