Cambridgeshire County Council moves closer to a new civic hub at Alconbury Weald

Plans for a civic hub at Alconbury Weald have moved a step closer after the county council gave the go ahead for a planning application.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s commercial and investment committee heard how feedback from staff, citizens and local residents helped to shape the designs of the building.

Careful consideration has been given to designing a building that is low-energy, efficient and future-proof, with forward-thinking features such as ducting in the car park allowing for the charging of electric vehicles and the potential to harness solar energy at a later stage.

The development of the new Alconbury Weald Hub is a key part of the council’s plans to move away from its Shire Hall base, and locate services closer to communities by making better use of its own buildings, and those of key partners.

Cllr Josh Schumann, chair of the committee said: “The decision to grant the submission of planning permission marks a significant and exciting step forward in our programme, and I am pleased that we remain on time and on budget.

“Council officers and members have carried out significant engagement with staff and citizens, and I want to thank those Cambridgeshire residents who came along to our events or submitted their comments online.

“We are currently working alongside staff to identify which teams will be located in the new hub, and are in conversation with transport providers to look at a range of sustainable transport options.

“By using local build and design contractors, we are ensuring we keep an eye on social value and the local workforce, by sourcing local labour and materials were possible.

“I wholly believe our new Alconbury Weald hub will encourage a step change in how we operate as a Council, and I look forward to us breaking ground on site later this year”

The cost of the building will be offset by the council moving out of its costly six-acre Shire Hall site, a decision the council believes will save in the region of £45m over 30 years.

Planning permission will now be submitted next month, with construction expected to begin in November.