Westmorland and Furness Council has confirmed that it is making further progress towards delivering better value for money, as it changes the ways that it operates.
This move sees the council committing to modernisation and investment its central anchor building in Kendal, which will bring improved staff and customer facilities. By undertaking this work, the council is continuing along its path of creating three service ‘hubs’ in the area’s three main locations of Kendal, Penrith and Barrow.
Alongside the modernisation and investment work, the new hub will become the council’s main base in Kendal, with the County Hall being closed for its current purpose. Alternative future use of the building will be subject to a further review.
Staff and services will be transferred from County Hall, with the drive for value for money coming as the council looks to deliver on its core value of being a responsible authority.
A new anchor building in Penrith has been constructed and is set to open in the near future.
Director of Resources at Westmorland and Furness Council, Pam Duke, said:
“The authority is in the fortunate position of having a nearby asset at South Lakeland House / Kendal Town Hall that has benefitted from circa £5m of investment to provide a modern and flexible building that puts service delivery and customer experience at the centre of its design.
“Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to delivering on the benefits of being a unitary council. Good asset management is about understanding our customers, identifying what they need and then using our assets effectively to deliver the right level of service whilst delivering best value for money.
The work announced has been undertaken following a review that identified how the council would need to invest £7.4 million to make County Hall suitable for current use. Alongside this, additional works would have needed to be done to ensure that the building complies fully with access legislation, as well as the council’s own Carbon Management Strategy.
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