Breadcrumb Links



1.  Brief Description of the Project:

In 2004, the Council recognised that it had both short and long term concerns with regard to its existing accommodation. Consequently, an ‘Advisory Group’ was set up in order to facilitate discussions. As discussions developed, a strong case was formed for the redevelopment of the Civic Offices in Bexleyheath together with the replacement of existing accommodation.

In December 2005, a specialist consultant was appointed to examine the options for redevelopment and to advise the council on the most appropriate way forward. Subsequently, the following aims were agreed with Cabinet:
  • Maximise the use of the current Civic Offices in Bexleyheath
  • Reduction in future accommodation need
  • More flexible working arrangements


By 2007, the ongoing project developed into ‘Bexley First’, an accommodation and business transformation programme. An ‘initial project advisor’ was subsequently appointed in October 2007 and submitted their Phase 1 report, including the following work streams and findings:

Work streams
  • Property Development Opportunities
  • Valuation and capital receipts programme
  • Workplace and workspace efficiency
  • Information Communication Technology

Findings
  • Continue with development of new civic centre by 2012
  • ‘Doing nothing’ is not a viable option
  • Financial benefits include a new civic building, net capital receipts of £17.2 million and a net reduction in operating costs of £2.4 million for the first five years
  • Recommendation to expand the accommodation review to include the complete estate
  • Consider an overarching approach to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) as a way of driving business transformation and service delivery


2.  Key Aims

  • Excellent ‘Value for Money’ services to residents
  • First class business and management working practices
  • To create an innovative and dynamic council, attracting the best people
  • The Council, at all levels, to listen and respond to the needs of the community
  • The Council, to provide leadership and promote working in partnership
  • Consolidation of staff in the current Civic Offices in Bexleyheath
  • A reduction in the Council's future accommodation needs
  • A utilisation of modern ICT in order to promote more modern and flexible ways of working


3.  Key Challenges/Major Issues

  • Management of key stakeholder interests
  • Co – location of staff and services
  • Development of service plans
  • Employing the most appropriate use of technology
  • Planning for future space needs


4.  Key Benefits/Successes

  • Deployment of modern ICT in order to support staff in adopting mobile working
  • Improve technical resilience across the ICT infrastructure
  • Introduction of new ICT to automate manual processes and reduce accommodation requirements
  • Consolidation of existing office accommodation
  • Potential inward investment of £150 million
  • Creation of 385 permanent new jobs and
  • Savings in the region of £50 million over the next 25 years


5.  Lessons Learnt