City of York Council Headquarters

New £32 million home for Council

Work is well underway on the impressive West Offices scheme to provide a new headquarters and customer centre for City of York Council. Miller Construction has been appointed as main contractor for the 19 month scheme, expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

The council estimates that it will save £17 million over the next 25 years as a result of the move to West Offices. The project is self-funding through the sale of existing properties, termination of leases and economies of scale, which means there will be no additional cost to York’s council tax payers.

In November the project attained an important milestone as the highest point in its construction was reached. The progress was celebrated in a traditional ‘Topping Out’ ceremony by construction and project teams from Miller Construction, York Investors LLP and City of York Council.

Symbolic elements were added to a concrete mould as part of the Topping Out ceremony, believed to date back some 500 years, to ensure the prosperity and success of the development. The ceremonial brick will be used in the building process of the council’s new customer centre and office accommodation.

Councillor James Alexander, Labour Leader of City of York Council, said: “I’m delighted at the progress being made at West Offices. This continues to be an exciting project that will bring real benefits and cost savings for the people of York.

“The move to the new building will not only save council tax payers at least £17m over the next 25 years, but will also enable us to work more efficiently and effectively, providing a one-stop-shop for customers wanting to access council services. The initiative will also see the council move from 16 buildings to just four.”

According to the council, on completion, the scheme will deliver an efficient and cost-effective civic building of which thewhole city can be proud. During construction it will create many jobs for local people. A thorough selection process saw West Offices as the clear preferred choice for the city’s new HQ, which will become a benchmark for sustainable redevelopment throughout the UK.

It was in February 2010 that York Investors - an S Harrison/Buccleuch joint venture - won the contract to create the new headquarters in competitive tender. From a list of 11 bidders, West Offices, with its rich history and new build potential, was chosen.

The 13,600 square-metre complex will provide a range of benefits. The council’s purpose built customer centre will make visiting the council easier and more straightforward through greater accessibility and improved front line services. Staff located in 16 different buildings will be brought together, improving the efficiencies of the council. West Offices will also create new opportunities for future partnership working with other partners across the city, which will help to align the council’s services with others, improving services for everyone in York.

West Offices - HQ for City of York Council

New £32 million home for Council