Agenda item

Presentation by the Head of Finance.

(Copy of presentation attached)

The Head of Finance, Richard Wyles updated Members on the Bourne Community Access Point (CAP) which was a key project for the Council and would deliver a number of priority outcomes.  Cabinet had approved the project in November 2011 and work on site had begun in April 2012.  The formal opening of the CAP was due to take place on 6th March 2013.  The CAP would bring multiple services together under one roof and would make use of a building that was underutilized.  The project had developed since the original concept and a number of added benefits would be delivered such as:

-        Customers would have direct access to all council services including the opportunity for face to face appointments with officers

-        There would be a choice of self service and free internet access

-        Customers would be able to access a wider range of County services including the library service, Registrars and Social Services

-        Customers would be able to visit the Town Council

-        There would be an increase in opening hours including late evenings and Saturday mornings

-        Teams would be able to utilize the extended floor space to create a focussed service for the south of the district which in turn would create additional space at Grantham for alternative uses.

-        New public toilets would be provided these would be operated by the Bourne Town Council

There would be enhanced partnership working between Lincolnshire County Council, Bourne Town Council and the NHS and the CAP would be the first of it’s kind in the County. It had preserved key County services in the town such as the library service and the registrars.  The funding model that had been developed would also deliver revenue savings for both Councils.

The function hall would be improved with new decor and better toilet facilities. Costs had increased due to the age of the building and the need to update mechanical and electrical applications, the fire alarm and underpinning works.  However, all partners had shared the responsibility of the extra funding required. Mr Wyles then spoke about the lease arrangements for the town hall and the running costs of the CAP. 

The CAP would make a significant improvement to the customer’s experience; it was a blueprint for the future with agile working space and office accommodation, enhanced opening hours and revenue savings going forward. He then showed Members a mock up picture of what the outside of the facility would look like and referred to the car parking and the possible introduction of an order to regulate the usage of the car park.  He indicated to Members that if they wished to hold a site visit nearer to the completion time that could be arranged.

A short discussion then followed with Members congratulating Mr Wyles on a worthwhile project.  Questions were asked about the final costs and IT issues to which Mr Wyles replied.  The Vice-Chairman referred to the possibility of the police being involved, to which Mr Wyles replied that although they had been approached they were happy with their current facilities at the present time.

The Chairman thanked Mr Wyles for attending the meeting and updating Members on the project.