Plans for new-look Derby council house unveiled

The council said the interior would be totally modernised

Derby City Council has unveiled its design proposals for the £33m refurbishment of its headquarters.

Under the plans, the current building, which was completed at the start of World War II, would have its interior stripped out, leaving only the facade.

An extra storey would also be built, along with an atrium and a new council chamber.

If approved, work would start in January next year and be completed by the end of 2012.

The council said the existing building was running up high maintenance costs and creating high levels of CO2 emissions because of its poor insulation.

'Maintenance backlog'

The redeveloped building would provide open-plan office space which would accommodate almost four times as many staff, enabling the council to reduce its spending on other rented office space.

Councillor Harvey Jennings, leader of Derby City Council, said: "Currently, the council house is in desperate need of refurbishment.

"There is a £14m maintenance backlog on the building with immediate maintenance work required such as the replacement of all the windows and the cast iron radiators.

"The council house will be a very different building to what it is now and will help provide the right environment to complete the council's transformation programme."

The plans are being recommended to the council's cabinet meeting on 6 July.