Council sells chunk of HQ to reduce budget deficit

C Block, at the rear of County Hall, has been sold following a review of Somerset Council's estate

A council has sold part of its HQ to a developer for flats in a bit to balance its books.

Somerset Council said County Hall's C block in Taunton is no longer required and the proceeds from the sale will go towards reducing its £66m budget deficit.

The building has been bought by a company called Prime plc which plans to provide accommodation for staff working at Musgrove Park Hospital.

A spokesperson said the firm was excited to redevelop the building "giving it a second life as an asset to the local community".

Prime is planning to redevelop the 4,600 metre building to provide new accommodation for key workers.

It is said to have chosen the location because of its proximity to Musgrove Park Hospital.

The specialist health and care property developer has delivered similar projects in the county, including a a 176-bedroom complex of affordable housing at Yeovil Hospital.

The new accommodation will be run by Hyve, a not-for-profit provider of housing exclusively for people working in public services.

First refusal is typically offered to NHS staff, but the site could also house other public sectors employees like the police, fire service or social care services.

Somerset Council will retain the iconic building above which dates from the 1930s

Will Bilbrough, technical development director at Prime, said: "We are excited to get started on redeveloping C Block, County Hall, giving it a second life as an asset to the local community."

"On previous projects we have seen first-hand how having access to holistically designed accommodation can transform the experience of key workers, improving their wellbeing and supporting them to stay with employers longer."

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council's lead member for strategic asset management said: "This sale is a great example of the positive changes and steps we are taking to address the budget gap we face."

Somerset Council has been selling buildings since its creation in April 2023 when several district councils merged.

Mr Rigby said the sale will generate income and play a part in protecting vital services for residents.

Prime is expected to apply to Somerset Council's planning department for permission to change the use of the building.

If successful, it will then begin design work.