Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance

The Committee received an update on the progress made against the Council’s Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan and the year on year performance of the property portfolio.

The Council’s vision is to make maximum use of its land and buildings by following six key property objectives.  They are:

·         A strategic approach to management of our assets and involving our partners;

·         Justification of holding assets based on business needs;

·         Continuous improvement of the sustainability of our assets;

·         Using our property assets to encourage community development;

·         Using our property assets for economic development and regeneration purposes; and

·         To provide properties which are fit for purpose

In terms of the national position, there is still no national benchmarking scheme, although we are looking to arrange a benchmarking framework to be set up.

Some of the key achievements include the ongoing review on the utilisation of the Civic Centre accommodation has highlighted the opportunity for the Council to develop the Civic Centre as a public sector hub whereby vacant office accommodation can be offered to other public sector/partner organisations.  This has been supported by the One Public Estate.  This has allowed for space to be freed up in the civic centre for the CCG and the Citizens Advice Bureau to have some space, it is also anticipated that the 0-19 service provide will move in to the civic centre and The Gateshead Housing Company moved their main office in a few years back. 

During 16/17 the school estate across Gateshead saw further capital investment with a range of works implemented across a number of schools. 

The Council continued its commitment to upgrading its public buildings and external environment to comply with the Equality Act 2010. 80% of buildings now meet the Equality Act standards and at remaining buildings the Council are still able to offer services even though works have not been carried out.

Gateshead Energy Centre is now complete and now supplies electricity to four major sites.  The battery storage unit at Park Road is complete.  

In 16/17 Emmaville and Winlaton Centre have been supported to complete Asset Transfers.

Fewer buildings in the portfolio are requiring urgent works and the Council are undertaking works in a timely manner.  We have seen a reduction in gas and electricity costs, however, the water bill does appear high, it is believed that this is due to estimated bills.

The Council had previously committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 35% and as of March 2017 this target has been achieved.

There has been an increase in rental income in 2016/17, this is due to the Council’s acquisition of Phase II St Mary’s Green, Whickham and ongoing rent reviews across the portfolio.

Priorities for 2017/18 include,

·         Continuation of playing an active role in the One Public Estate Partnership,

·         Progressing the development of the Civic Centre as a public sector hub.

·         Progress the development of the corporate web-based asset management database (Gp2). 

·         Identify development opportunities for both housing and commercial schemes to assist in driving forward the Council’s housing and economic growth agenda

It was queried whether the enormous roof space on this building could be utilised to collect water for a grey water system.  It was felt that this would have the potential to cut our bills.  It was noted that this is something which would be looked at in the case of new builds, however, there hasn’t previously been grant funding available to support the capital investment costs.  Officers will look at this proposal and put something forward in terms of viability.

RESOLVED - (i)         That the progress of the Corporate Asset Strategy be noted.

                        (ii)        That the comments of the Committee in relation to the report

                                    be noted.