Homes plan progresses on council headquarters site

The Civic Centre in Esher is also used by Surrey Police and Citizens Advice

Plans to turn a council's headquarters into new homes are set to be further explored with more funding to be agreed.

Elmbridge Borough Council included the civic centre in Esher in its draft plan, earmarking it for up to 400 homes.

The council said the civic centre should "be more accessible and integrated into the High Street" as its looks at the future of its offices.

Its cabinet is set to approve a £110,000 budget for the next stage of work, including £40,000 for a consultancy firm and money for surveys, space planning and project management.

As well as the council, the building is home to Surrey Police, Elmbridge Citizens Advice and two private companies renting space.

Another key stakeholder identified by the council is Esher Bowls Club, which is accessed via the civic centre car park, and one of the organisations set to be updated in regular meetings on the plans.

A council spokesperson said: "Delivering much needed housing is a priority for Elmbridge Borough Council, and the requirement for both town centre and affordable homes that meet local demands will also be considered as part of the future of the civic centre."

According to a council report, work started in 2022 to consider the future of the site and the council's future office needs, initially looking at either refurbishing the existing building or demolishing it and rebuilding a new civic centre there.

In January, the option of acquiring and moving to a new site in Esher was introduced, and the refurbishing of the existing building was ruled out.

The council's cabinet will discuss the plans on 18 September, with a decision from full council on the proposals scheduled for December.