Council to construct £10m office block in new civic centre plan

The 30,000 square foot facility, on the north side of Ham Road, Shoreham, would address an ‘immediate demand’ for office space in the district and generate revenue for the cash-short council.

New development plans, to be discussed by councillors on Wednesday, will also see the civic centre demolished and the council carry out design work on a mixed-use scheme.

The strategy follows the breakdown of a £60million redevelopment deal with KSD SteelRock last year.

Council leader Neil Parkin said: “The leadership has been pushing for this for some time. We are going to be masters of our own destiny.”

Borrowing costs to finance the office block are estimated at £385,000 per year at current interest rates.

A report to cabinet members notes annual income could range between £480,000 and £600,000.

A pre-let arrangement would be sought in order to reduce risk.

The report stated: “A number of potential occupiers of the proposed new office space have approached the council seeking modern accommodation within a two-year time frame.

“The council is committed to retaining those employers in the area and increasing the number of skilled and highly-paid jobs in the town.”

Running costs and business rates liabilities will be removed by demolishing the centre and enable ground investigations and site surveys.

The council will enter into a pre-contract agreement to undergo the work and design the scheme ahead of construction.

The development will either be carried out by the council, or a development partner found.

Director for the economy Martin Randall said: “We are very confident there is a viable scheme with new homes, perhaps some shops and even a hotel use but we are going to do that work as a precursor to joining with a development partner.”

The civic centre has been closed since staff moved into the Shoreham Centre in January. It was used as a set for BBC police drama ‘Cuffs’.