Cherwell council agree to move to new headquarters

The council’s executive agreed on Monday to move from Bodicote House to Castle Quay in Banbury, which the authority owns.

With checks now complete, a report presented to the executive shows that the move would allow the council to establish new headquarters in "a smaller, more modern and energy-efficient space".

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It is claimed the move supports the council’s wider ambition to regenerate the town centre and would increase footfall to local businesses.

Councillor Barry Wood, leader of the council, said: “As a modern and forward thinking authority, it is only right that we ensure we occupy office space that is proportionate to our needs, and which correctly supports the key public services we are providing to our residents.

“Detailed feasibility work has now been completed, so this significant move is supported by a full business case. The report we considered on Monday details the significant benefits this move will offer to our residents and to the council itself.

Councillor Barry Wood “This move would save the taxpayer money on annual running and maintenance costs, support our sustainability pledge, and make us more accessible to our residents.

“We also believe the move supports our wider aspirations for the regeneration of Banbury town centre.”

As part of the feasibility study, the future of Bodicote House also had to be considered alongside any potential move.

At the same meeting the council executive authorised officers to progress negotiations with a potential interested party for Bodicote House.

This transaction would help fund the move to Castle Quay.

Subject to further work, the move could take place in late 2024.

Questions had previously been raised about the council’s purchase of the shopping centre, which formed part of a plan to save the proposed multi-million pound leisure complex next door from falling through after investors pulled out.

The council made the decision to buy the site in 2017, and purchased it in 2018 for £68 million.

By this year, Castle Quay had halved in value, according to deputy leader of the opposition and leader of the Green Party on the district council, Ian Middleton.

He has previously said that when the council purchased Castle Quay, it was on the understanding that it would provide income to the council while regenerating the high street.

He added that moving the offices to empty shopping units would not fulfil that goal, and "smacks more of necessity than opportunity" in his opinion.

Mr Middleton said it is unlikely to be an ideal solution for staff and it would drastically change the profile of the development.

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1