Cherwell District Council plans to move its new headquarters into the former BHS and Gap units within Banbury’s Castle Quay Shopping Centre, which it owns, is a step closer. The move aims to support a “thriving and vibrant town centre.”
The council’s plans to move from and sell its current Bodicote House headquarters in Bodicote, outside Banbury, to developers and move to Castle Quay, was given the green light, officially, by councillors in November 2023.
Following a competitive tendering process, the council has appointed Workplace Creations as its main contractor to help with its work and plans to have relocated into the shopping centre by early spring next year.
The company is converting the former BHS and Gap shop units into modern offices. Workplace Creations has previously completed several public sector relocation projects and office conversions in shopping centres.
Councillor Lesley McLean, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Property and Regeneration, said: “I am delighted to report that this milestone has been reached.
“We’re creating a modern office space that is fit for the future, reduces our environmental impact, and will ensure that our ongoing running and maintenance costs are reduced, delivering better value for our taxpayers throughout the district.
“This move will not only put our council headquarters in a central location, but it will also increase footfall at Castle Quay and is part of our future regeneration plans for Banbury, to ensure a thriving and vibrant town centre.
“Our move to Castle Quay will help broaden the offer within the centre, providing residents with fully accessible district council services in a convenient town centre location, capitalising on Banbury’s strong public transport links.
“A lot of care has gone into the choice of contractor, and the transformation of our new office space is progressing at pace. It is very exciting to see this administration delivering for the future needs of our district.”
The refurbishment works and relocation from Bodicote House are scheduled to be completed by early spring 2025, and the headquarters will include a council chamber for public meetings.
