Middlesbrough Council headquarters 'not fit for purpose'

Middlesbrough Council has argued that its current headquarters are ‘not fit for purpose’ and is seeking to relocate to a new city centre base.

An impending report is expected to recommend moving out of the existing Civic Centre once an alternative location is agreed, all in an attempt to reduce property costs and move towards a more efficient way of working.

The proposal will replace the outdated building and contribute towards long-term savings, including a reduction in the council’s energy costs and carbon footprint.

The current Civic Centre building was built in the mid 1960s and has been the council’s main administrative hub for more than five decades.

Charlie Rooney, executive member for City Centre Strategy, said: “For some years, the Civic Centre has not been fit for purpose as a modern working environment and it does not support the Council’s ‘agile working’ approach. While refurbishment has to be considered as an option, the clear advice is that this is not a cost-effective solution in the long term.

“It therefore makes sense that we further explore the development of a new Civic Centre which will reflect the size and flexibility of the Council’s current and future workforce, and one that will make a lasting contribution to the life of the town. This approach will also enable new development around Centre Square which will further enhance it as one of the region’s key destinations for both business and leisure.”