Dacorum Borough Council & Partners

Overview

In 2017, a new public services hub opened in the heart of Hemel Hempstead.  This replaced an ageing and costly civic centre and represented a key milestone in the regeneration of the Gade Zone. Laura played a key role in determining the original hub vision and business case, and was retained to oversee the progression of the project from approvals to delivery.

Stakeholder engagement played a key part in defining the Council and its public sector partners’ future operational needs and identifying collaboration opportunities. Laura appraised different real estate and occupational options for meeting the future requirements using value for money methodology. A best value for money option was identified comprising a new build facility recycling surplus multi-owned public estate.

Laura developed a robust business case for the new hub facility to inform and enable council and partner decision-making. Support for the proposal was unanimous.

A team of multi-disciplinary advisors was assembled by Laura and a hub concept and specification was prepared. A range of de-risking activities were undertaken, including strategic land assembly and securing agreement for leases with the occupiers.  To secure the best delivery partner, a competitive dialogue procurement process was determined as the best commercial option. Following careful preparation, a procurement campaign was launched in 2013.

Three years later the new 6,500 sq m Forum hub opened to the public offering a new customer service centre, community café, state of the art library, public meeting rooms, ceremonial room and registrars offices, and modern HQ accommodation. The new facility has seen an increase in footfall and annual running costs savings.