As the new Civic Offices building is nearing completion, Thurrock Council would like to take the opportunity to correct some misinformation which has been published about the building and associated costs.
The new Civic Offices building is not yet complete and the building has not yet opened. The building work is expected to come in on budget at £9.8million. Reports that estimate the cost of building work to be £26million are entirely incorrect.
Testing and snagging is currently taking place as fixtures, fittings and furnishings are being finalised. There is no reconfiguration of the structure, or walls being removed.
The main council chamber has been designed, and is being built, to provide seating for all 49 elected members, plus officers and a public gallery. It is being equipped with the latest technology including viewing screens for members and the public gallery and a camera system to allow meetings to be webcast.
As well as kick-starting regeneration plans across Grays, the civic centre redevelopment has allowed the oldest part of the current Civic Offices to be used as land for building much-needed town centre homes on brownfield sites.
The new building will also help the council reduce its carbon footprint, decrease building running costs and provide a new multi-functional community space, including meeting rooms that the community can use, a café and outdoor seating area open to the public, and new registrar's rooms and garden for ceremonial use.
Once complete the building will be officially opened to the public, elected members and staff.