Wates Construction announces completion of Derby City Council HQ Refurbishment
The ground floor of the Council House has undergone a major reconfiguration that has brought together a number of key services in one area, better supporting the needs of Derby citizens. The project sought to maximise the existing available space, keeping costs to a minimum.
Work took place in six phases across 48 weeks, with Wates ensuring the Council was still able to operate as the programme took place. The completed building now allows Derby City Council to deliver an extended range of services to local people, centralising a range of services in one location.
The Council House Ground Floor now accommodates:
- The Department for Work and Pension’s Derby Jobcentre Plus
- A redesigned reception as well as new interview rooms and a fully accessible meeting room
- The brand new Riverside Library, which forms a key part of the Council’s plans to develop a successful modern and sustainable service for library users
Wates delivered the project on schedule and brought sustainability to its works with reuse of existing lighting fixtures and furniture in its building programme.
The project was procured through the empa framework since superseded by the Regional Construction framework – which is managed by Scape Procure, a public-sector organisation, dedicated to creating ongoing efficiency and social value via the built environment.
Throughout the project Wates engaged a local supply chain and provided training and employment opportunities for local people, ensuring it leaves behind a skills and economic boost for the city.
John Carlin, Business Unit Director, Wates Construction Midlands, said:
“Completing a refurbishment programme to a building that remains a live working environment always presents a challenge, but I’m very happy to say our team has been able to deliver this project ahead of schedule and with minimal disruption to the running of vital services. This is a project we’re very proud of, and I am sure that the new look Council House will prove to be a valuable addition to civic life across Derby.”
Councillor Mick Barker, Cabinet Member for Governance and Licensing at Derby City Council, commented:
“This project has enabled more vital public services to be housed under one roof, making them easier to access for the residents that need them. The project has also enabled us to work more closely with partner organisations such as the Department for Work and Pensions.”
Phil Higginson, Midland Shires Jobcentre Plus District Manager, said:
“The move to the Council House provided us with an excellent opportunity to work closer with our partners, while giving local people access to a range of key, local services under one roof.”
Victoria Brambini, Managing Director of Scape Procure, said:
“With the regeneration of this significant space now completed, it can continue to play a vital role of service provision to the community in Derby City. The improved working space, along with the collaboration of service provision with JobCentrePlus, will deliver more efficient services for the community.
Our commitment to delivering social value, which is embedded into Scape’s frameworks, also ensures that the project leaves a lasting legacy of positive outcomes for local people, by delivering skills and employment initiatives.”
