District council HQ to get new home

An environmentally-friendly building will be built at Vicarage Lane at a cost of about 12 million.

However, it is hoped that within 25 years the council will save about 7-million by operating out of one newly-built centre.

The council has been considering a move from its current offices in Crowborough for several years.

Three options were on the table; revamping the existing Crowborough offices, building new offices on brownfield land or building on land it already owns in Hailsham.

A cross-party working group of councillors - aided by professional consultants - has been reviewing options since January.

Work will now start on a detailed feasibility study including design and discussions with staff.

The working party also wants to liaise with developers of land at the back of Vicarage Lane to discuss ways the site can serve a wider community purpose.

Finance cabinet member Cllr Bob Standley said the purpose-built HQ would save council taxpayers' money and set an example for sustainability and energy saving.

He added: 'It could be up to 400 per cent more energy efficient than an office built before 1990.'

The council will still retain a presence in Crowborough but the existing Hailsham offices will eventually be demolished.

Corporate services boss Nigel Hannam said: 'This will mean change for all members of staff, particularly those currently based at Crowborough.

'We appreciate that change can be difficult but we will ensure that staff are kept fully informed and involved in the implementation as we move to a new headquarters.'

The process of moving to Hailsham should be completed by 2011-2012.