Following a unanimous decision of Horsham District Council on 29 May, it was agreed that the Council would terminate the lease of its existing offices and acquire new premises.
The Council has now issued notice on its lease on the Parkside offices it currently occupies in Chart Way. It wishes to move into the heart of Horsham town centre and is looking to take a 25-year lease on the Sierra Place building in Springfield Road which is part of the Swan Walk Shopping Centre in the town.
The move will see the Council operate from a more carbon efficient building in line with its corporate aims of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Commenting on the move, Leader of the Council Cllr Martin Boffey said: “Our focus must always be on what is best for our residents. As a modern, forward-thinking authority, it is vital that we occupy office space which correctly supports the core public services we provide.
“It is also a key responsibility as an employer to provide an appropriate working environment for staff.
Relocating our staff to this more fit-for-purpose, centrally based building will make us more accessible to residents, in more energy efficient space which supports our sustainability targets.
Gill Buchanan, Swan Walk Centre Manager, added: “This is a really positive investment in Swan Walk and the town and we are looking forward to welcoming the Horsham District Council team to the centre."
The move is set to take place in early 2025.