Bury sets out town hall intentions
Having analysed its office requirements, the council has decided to refurbish the 70-year-old building, a move that will have knock-on effects for other parts of the civic estate.
Bury Town Hall, described as offering a “very poor working environment”, will be refurbished on a phased basis, according to a report to the council’s cabinet.
Once work is complete, staff currently occupying nearby 3 Knowsley Place will be decanted into the revamped town hall.
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust is in talks to take over the lease of 3 Knowsley Place, relocating from Humphrey House.
If this deal completes, Bury Council would retain two floors at 3 Knowsley Place until work at the town hall is concluded.
The vacant Humphrey House would then be sold for housing. The strategy would also free up the roof of the Q Park for housing development.
The Q Park roof had previously been earmarked as a potential location for a new town hall. This option is no longer being explored as a result of the council’s decision to refurbish the town hall.
Another element of the office rejig would see Six Town Housing, which currently occupies all four floors at 6 Knowsley Place, consolidate into two floors.
While the town hall project will require capital investment, the council hopes that the strategy “will produce revenue savings by withdrawing from commercial leases and further knock-on savings from operating a smaller more compact estate and reduced energy costs”, according to the report.
Having the council, NHS, and Six Town Housing all located within the town hall and Knowsley Place “will improve efficiency and joint working and support retail businesses in the town centre”, according to the report.
What about the Substance miss use and harm reduction service currently in Humphrey House. ???
By John Roberts
Think my taxes would be better spent making roads safer/ repaired. Parking near schools addressed..People begging outside supermarkets, at traffic lights & various areas. Street lighting. And more facilities available for the elderly & infirm locally.
By Audrey
Maybe the council could concentrate on delivering adequate services, rather than refurbishing the town hall. Also a good look at management/middle management, rather than cut staff from the bottom. Best way to make a tree grow is to cut at the top. Bury Council is a joke and an embarrassment!
By Anonymous
I think this is a great idea, having more services under one roof, utilizing empty floors will save on leasing other properties.
By Anonymous
Is this yet again another Bury Council masterplan.
By Anonymous
I am an employee at Humphrey House the building is to a very poor standard now.This is a good option to move to Knowsley Place as as this will improve NHS Council and Housing functions . However The Q Park roof should be utilised for priority staff car users and visitor parking. This would be more cost effective than building yet another new building.
By Anonymous
May be the money should be spent on the people paying massive council tax bills rather than on the under worked overpaid councilors and town hall workers!!
You could start by replacing the swimming pool you propose to demolish in Radcliffe
By Anonymous