Hampshire County Council considers consolidating office spaces across Hampshire

The proposals set out a strategy for implementation in the coming years, as part of the County Council’s regular work reviewing the use of its buildings, and ensuring that facilities keep pace with changing patterns of use.

Many of the people working in County Council offices spend a significant proportion of time working directly in the community with people who need them – delivering local services such as social care to vulnerable children and adults, enabled by technology. Some staff are also working remotely, which has become a more frequent pattern since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The most recent review has looked at main office hubs in towns around the county, as well as many other building types with the potential to provide some office accommodation in addition to current services.

Buildings such as libraries and register offices, which are important public-access amenities, were included purely to consider the opportunities for how any office space within them might be used in future. The review of office accommodation does not consider closing any libraries or other public services. 

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby said: “We have always carefully monitored the use of our buildings to ensure they remain cost-effective, and to release savings whenever possible. We have been reviewing our office accommodation to understand the opportunities for further reductions, which will reduce recurring revenue costs and ensure the way we work remains efficient and effective.  

“It is vitally important that people can access public services near to where they live, and it’s crucial we maintain good public access where it’s needed. But when it comes to the functions that are delivered ‘behind the scenes’ in our offices, it makes sense to look at how these spaces fit our future needs. We may find that the services we currently run from these buildings could be delivered effectively through alternative accommodation at lower cost – and perhaps in some places, we may identify opportunities to improve access for people using our services. 

“Our staff in the buildings are aware of the possibility of some relocations in future, and will be kept informed as plans progress. We have always closely monitored our accommodation needs, and made changes to our provision in the past, ensuring relocations are made without disruption to local services or to our residents.”