The Assistant Director for Property and Development presented the report of the Interim Director of Regeneration and Place. It was proposed that Wallasey Town Hall continue to deliver the democratic functions of the council.  The report outlined proposals to move into Wallasey Town Hall, front-facing and partner services and explore other opportunities relating to delivering other services and activities from Wallasey Town Hall. For example activating use of the main hall. 

In order to comply with the Council’s commitment to net zero, officers would also explore opportunities to decarbonise Wallasey Town Hall.  The Council would also have to invest in the building. And a robust plan to invest in the asset would be incorporated into the Council’s long-term financial planning.  Similar work would not be progressed on Birkenhead Town Hall until a decision regarding its future was made. 

Officers would undertake a soft market testing exercise for Birkenhead Town Hall and in addition to this would seek to understand what options there were for Council services in Birkenhead Town Hall.  Following this work, a further report would be brought to the committee on the future of the asset.  It was envisaged that this work would be concluded within six months.

Members considered the cost implications of the two Town Hall Sites and maintaining two listed buildings. Also discussed was the impact of the move from Birkenhead to Wallasey on the Registrars service, along with various suggestions regarding services moving into Wallasey Town Hall.

On a motion by Councillor Paul Stuart, Seconded by Councillor Robinson it was,

Resolved (3:11) that,

(1) the continued occupation of Wallasey Town Hall for licensing services and for civic and democratic functions, including Council, Committee Meetings and the Mayor, including support functions be agreed.

(2) the utilisation of Wallasey Town Hall for front facing and other appropriate Council and partner services on a case-by-case basis be endorsed.

(3) that further work is to be undertaken by the Interim Director of Regeneration and Place regarding options for Birkenhead Town Hall, including surveys, soft market testing and future options to inform a future decision of this Committee be noted.

(4) the relocation of Registrars to Wallasey Town Hall, in light of deterioration of its current accommodation in BTH and the opportunity to generate potential savings by suspending day to day activity in the Building be supported.

(5) That work will be undertaken to consider options for a Birkenhead offer for the Registrar Service and this will be included in the report referred to in recommendation six.

(6) that a further report will be brought back to this committee to consider the future of Birkenhead Town Hall.

(7) That the required capital works (£12m) associated with the condition of the building and the revenue costs (£1.2m) for Wallasey Town Hal be noted. This will be subject to more detailed assessment for future capital bids.