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Council offices will relocate to above Lock 29 and former Gap stores
10/12/2024
A contractor has been appointed to convert the space
A contractor has been appointed to convert the space above Lock 29 and the old Gap store in the Castle Quay Shopping Centre into Cherwell District Council’s new offices.
An entrance to the offices for the general public will be situated on the ground floor by the former Gap unit. This will lead to an upstairs reception.
The new offices will include a council chamber for public meetings.
During its time in the shopping centre BHS used the first floor for homeware and a café, complete with a balcony overlooking the centre.
Cherwell District Council announced its intention to relocate its headquarters from Bodicote House to the shopping centre, which it also owns, in August 2023.
Following a competitive tendering process, the council has appointed workspace specialists Workplace Creations as its main contractor. They have previously completed several public sector relocation projects and office conversions in shopping centres.
Councillor Lesley McLean, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Property and Regeneration, said: “I am delighted to report that this milestone has been reached. We’re creating a modern office space that is fit for the future, reduces our environmental impact, and will ensure that our ongoing running and maintenance costs are reduced, delivering better value for our taxpayers throughout the district.
“This move will not only put our council headquarters in a central location, but it will also increase footfall at Castle Quay and is part of our future regeneration plans for Banbury, to ensure a thriving and vibrant town centre.
“Our move to Castle Quay will help broaden the offer within the centre, providing residents with fully accessible district council services in a convenient town centre location, capitalising on Banbury’s strong public transport links.
“A lot of care has gone into the choice of contractor, and the transformation of our new office space is progressing at pace. It is very exciting to see this administration delivering for the future needs of our district.”
The refurbishment works and relocation from Bodicote House are scheduled to be completed by early spring 2025.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam