Nottinghamshire County Council

Overview

Appointed by Arc Partnership, Laura worked with a senior Officer team to develop a Strategic Outline Case and Outline Business Case for unlocking County Hall in West Bridgford.

In July 2023, Nottinghamshire County Council approved a Strategic Outline Case evidencing why County Hall was unsuitable as a future core office base for the Council and recommending that civic, democratic and leadership functions relocate to a new base near Hucknall on completion in 2024/25.  The Strategic Outline Case also recommended a more detailed business case for the future use of the 10.36 acres site, supported by engagement with key stakeholders and residents and paying due regard to the heritage merits of the County Hall building.

Laura commenced work on the Outline Business Case in 2024. As part of a wider community and stakeholder engagement exercise, Laura and her development advisory colleagues informally engaged with housebuilders and specialist regeneration developers. to gauge their interest in the County hall opportunity.  There were high levels of interest in the iconic site.

Following 5-Case Model methodology, Laura ensured that the Outline Business Case set clear principles for the future use of the County Hall site. A commercial appraisal of different delivery vehicle options demonstrated the benefits of pursuing a development agreement with a preferred delivery partner. The business case gave a comprehensive account of the short- and longer-term financial implications of unlocking the site and a robust approach to project governance, management and monitoring requirements to ensure successful outcomes.

Work on the Outline Business Case was completed in December 2024. The Council is prudently assessing the potential impacts of local government reorganisation on County Hall before making a final decision.