Future of council's two largest office buildings to be considered at Full Council

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The cross-party working group was set up in November to explore the business case for relocating Woodhill House and Gordon House to a new building in Inverurie in more detail. If agreed, the proposals will see a smaller, more flexible and cheaper office built at Harlaw Park, at the same time as enabling employees to work more flexibly in modern fit-for-purpose buildings.

Councillors on the working group were told that maintaining the existing offices in Aberdeen and Inverurie would require a major investment and would leave the council with office buildings far larger than it needs both now, and in the future.

They are keen to see officers progress proposals for a new building and this will be discussed at a meeting of Full Council in January.

Chief Executive Jim Savege explains: “If approved, this will see the start of a major investment programme in the Aberdeenshire office estate. This will benefit our workforce through investment in our offices in a number of towns, and also a refreshed approach to our flexible working arrangements, supporting the delivery of services at the heart of the communities we serve.

“It is expected to deliver significant savings for the council through reduced running costs and by selling or leasing existing buildings it removes a significant pressure on our building maintenance budgets. This is a major decision with many factors to consider, however, and it is encouraging that the cross-party working group has reached a consensus.

“As well as saving money this is also about supporting communities in their localities, by enabling staff to work from a number of different locations. Inverurie is the preferred location at this time, thanks to its excellent local transport links and its central location. As part of the proposals, we’ll be exploring opportunities to co-locate with partner organisations, we will be looking at options for improved facilities in Ellon and Stonehaven, and potentially in other locations.”

This is a really exciting project and we’re keen to keep you up to date with the latest proposals and discussions by councillors. Keep an eye out for updates on Arcadia.