Council to sell seafront offices as it relocates

Guildhall Cottage has been home to Lyme Regis Town Council since the 1990s

A town council is closing its doors for four days while it relocates to new offices.

Lyme Regis Town Council in Dorset is moving from Guildhall Cottage, near the seafront, to nearby St Michael's Business Centre.

It will be closed for business on Tuesday and only contactable by phone and email on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, before fully reopening on Friday 13 June.

The Guildhall and parking area will remain in council ownership but Guildhall Cottage will be sold.

The rear of Guildhall Cottage has views across Lyme Bay

Lyme Regis Town Council has occupied the grade II listed building since the 1990s.

Deputy town clerk Mark Green said: "Although full of character and with spectacular views of Lyme Bay, the existing offices are spread over three floors, with small rooms and an inefficient layout for modern office use.

"The new offices will be on one level and fully accessible with a much more efficient layout."

Mr Green said the move would "generate a net surplus for the council and reduce its overall running costs".

"The number of staff will not change as a result of the move," he added.

St Michael's Business Centre is home to a variety of small businesses

Mayor Philip Evans previously said Guildhall Cottage was "no longer fit for purpose" and would be "offered for sale, probably for residential use".

In his January blog, he said the town council had negotiated a 21-year lease with the owners of St Michael's Business Centre - the Lyme Regis Development Trust (LRDT).

According to LRDT, the building is a "bustling and vibrant business hub", which "provides office accommodation for a variety of small businesses".

The Guildhall will continue to host ceremonies, functions and weddings.