City of York Council’s Executive has approved York Investors LLP with its West Offices site as the preferred bidder for the council’s new headquarters.

The authority is looking to move into a new, central location in 2012, rationalising the number of existing office locations down from 16 to four, and providing a purpose-built York Customer Centre where customers can access council services quickly, simply and easily in one city centre location.

The council had shortlisted two sites as part of a competitive procurement exercise to find the most suitable solution for the new headquarters with bids assessed against a number of factors, including budget, risk, accessibility, sustainability, and benefits for the city and council customers. The bid put forward by York Investors LLP scored the highest number of points in the assessment process.

Says Sandy Smith, of York Investors LLP which comprises Buccleuch Property and York-based S Harrison Developments Ltd:

“We’re delighted that the executive has accepted the recommendation of the City of York Council project team and chosen West Offices.

“We believe West Offices will provide a superb and fitting location for the council’s headquarters which will be accessible, pleasant to visit in a superb setting and will deliver the cost savings the council is seeking.

“We also believe its flexible design will deliver the very best service to the people of the city and provide a great place to work for council employees. The scheme should bring back to prominence an important historic building, reflecting the city’s railway and architectural heritage.”

Says Martyn Harrison, chairman of York-based S Harrison Developments Ltd:

“The scheme we have put forward provides a model of sustainable redevelopment, not just for the city and the region, but nationally and internationally too. Our proposal has received the endorsement of English Heritage and the local Civic Society.

“We are excited now about the process of delivering the new HQ sustainably, within budget and on time. We’re committed, to using local labour and local suppliers where possible to further benefit the local economy.”

In a statement from its press office, the council said:

The York Investors LLP scheme provides the council with a building in an attractive city centre setting that not only meets its requirements but also offers the authority a highly sustainable solution and greater flexibility in the future. The scheme has support from City of York Planners, English Heritage and York Civic Trust.