07/07/08 New Office Hub Deal - West Sussex County Council


Signed, sealed and delivered – West Sussex County Council has completed the purchase of an office in Horsham to create a new town centre "hub" for key services. Parkside was formerly owned by RSA Insurance Group plc.

The County Council revealed earlier this year that it was in negotiations to buy the 100,000sq ft office block, which also has meeting rooms, a training centre, and a car park.

“Our aim is to create a new town centre hub to support the delivery of front-line services,” explained Louise Goldsmith, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

"We will be financing this by reviewing a range of outdated office accommodation, which we can then dispose of. This office will also allow us to reduce our running costs."

"In turn staff based there will have an improved working environment."

"The purchase price has to remain confidential for commercial reasons at present, but I can assure our taxpayers that it sensibly reflects current market values and represents very good value."

County Council Leader Henry Smith said: “When we heard that this was being put on the market, we acted quickly because of the opportunity to create a service base in a good location for the north of the county, and with good public transport access.

"I am sure that the eventual presence of several hundred staff will be a boost for the town centre economy of Horsham."

The County Council says that now the purchase has been confirmed, it can press ahead with a detailed review of what services will be located at the new hub.

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