Agenda item

(a)  That the report updating on the occupation of Observatory House be noted.

(b)  That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Place to agree terms of and approve the grant of a lease and any supplemental document(s) of part of the second floor Observatory House for a maximum term of 10 years, the lease to be granted at best consideration.

The Associate Director, Place Strategy & Infrastructure introduced a report that updated the Cabinet on the progress with regards to increasing the occupancy of Observatory House and sought approval to lease part of the second floor.

The report set out the utilisation of the building since it was purchased in May 2018 as part of the accommodation strategy and transformation programme.  This included initial plans to lease the fourth and fifth floors to generate income.  The Cabinet noted that Slough Children First Ltd had now taken up occupancy of the fourth floor and plans were in place for the fifth floor to be the Slough Innovation Space and Future Skills Hub.  The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic had rapidly accelerated remote working and taking account of future changing work patterns the Medium Term Financial Strategy assumed the equivalent of an additional floor (16,000 sqft) be leased.  The Cabinet was asked to approve a lease of circa 3,600 sqft on the second floor and the operational implications were explained.

The Cabinet commented that Member meetings would shortly be able to return to Observatory House as Covid-19 restrictions were eased and the fact a comprehensive plan was in place for the full occupation of the building was welcomed.  It was also noted that the acquisition of the building was part of the wider accommodation strategy which included the Council moving out of Landmark Place and moving services out into communities through the Localities Strategy.  The proposed redevelopment of St Martin’s Place into approximately 60 social and affordable homes would also contribute to both housing and financial objectives.

The Cabinet noted the report and agreed the recommendations.

Resolved –

(a)  That the report updating on the occupation of Observatory House be noted.

(b)  That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Place to agree terms of and approve the grant of a lease and any supplemental document(s) of part of the second floor Observatory House for a maximum term of 10 years, the lease to be granted at best consideration.