Gloucester City Council has today made an important announcement about its proposals to relocate.

It plans to start formal discussions with Gloucestershire County Council about the possibility of moving into the latter's base at Shire Hall, a short walk from the city council's current offices in Gloucester Docks.

The city council occupies parts of the Herbert, Kimberley and Philpotts warehouses and a small amount of space in the adjacent North warehouse.

Last night, councillors discussed the proposals for the relocation of the city council from the existing accommodation and to begin formal discussions with the county council about moving into Shire Hall in 2018.

The city council is looking to downsize and adopt flexible working to be able to fit into just one warehouse.

However, while there would be some running cost savings from moving from three warehouses to just one, the council said it would cost a sizeable amount of money to refurbish and move its infrastructure.

Therefore, it said, moving elsewhere might prove better value for money.

Moving in to Shire Hall alongside the county council could have other benefits such as better collaborative working and combined efficiency savings.

This option has been recommended as the most beneficial to explore in the short term.

Other proposals include the creation of new offices as part of the regeneration within King's Quarter.

Cllr David Norman, cabinet member for performance and resources said: "A move to Shire Hall would offer a number of advantages for the city council.

"The vacant possession of the warehouses will provide a new commercial opportunity in the docks, with the potential to generate income for the council.

"It could reduce the need to invest in new infrastructure and it could increase the opportunity for the city and county council to work more collaboratively across complementary services.

"Gloucestershire County Council is receptive to this proposal but negotiations are in the early stages and further discussions are needed."

Shire Hall is currently undergoing refurbishment to provide a more eco-friendly, and efficient office space for staff.

Plans are in place to fit solar panels to light Shire Hall and significantly reduce the council's energy bills and carbon footprint.

The refurbishment is part of the wider regeneration of Blackfriars and Quayside and is due to finish in 2018.

The city council intends retain the Civic Suite in North Warehouse regardless of a relocation in order to maintain the council's identity and preserve the city's rich civic tradition.

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk