Exeter City Council has changed its mind over where to make its new home.
The authority originally considered moving to offices in the Guildhall centre, having decided to leave the existing Civic Centre off Paris Street which is more than 50 years old and needs major repairs.
But now it has decided that space available at the Guildhall centre is too small, and it is considering a move to the four-storey Senate Court block in Southernhay Gardens instead.
The change of heart will be the subject of an extraordinary meeting of the full city council next week (September 18).
The council decided some time ago to move out of its current offices, with the Paris Street building being released for much-needed city centre homes.
The Guildhall was chosen instead, but a report to next week’s meeting says it does not have enough room to meet the council’s needs. Senate Court is already owned by the city council, and can accommodate 300 staff with committee rooms, meeting rooms and customer service areas.
The building is currently vacant apart from one existing tenant whose lease is due for renewal. Councillors will be recommended to earmark £412,000 to pay compensation, with the money coming from surplus income from the Guildhall shopping centre.
The tenant is expected to leave in July 2026, with the council able to take over from then.
The existing civic centre was built in 1972 and is considered no longer fit for purpose. The report says it is poorly laid-out and does not suit modern ways of working. Its also has a high carbon footprint and needs significant maintenance and repairs.
It will cost up to £3million to make Senate Court suitable to become the council’s new headquarters.
The report sums up: “The move to Senate Court would be a clear commitment by the council to invest in and support the economic vitality of the city centre, helping to support local business and jobs.”
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