West Lothian Council has had a rethink on plans to dispose of one of its office buildings.
Changes in working patterns post Covid and the potential income from an ongoing lease saw the council’s Executive reverse an earlier decision to sell one of its Livingston offices. Officers branded the plan a “good news story.”
Having agreed the sale of Torridon house on Almondvale Boulevard in February property and estates staff have now argued there is a “strong and sound business case to retain the building.”
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The council will not lose out financially as savings from a 'spring clean' of the council’s property portfolio will still clear £200,000.
In addition a new agreement with a local law firm which currently leases Torridon’s ground floor will guarantee income of up to £450,000 in the next ten years.
The council agreed to the sale of Torridon House and Arrochar house in Livingston in February.
In a report to the recent meeting of the Executive the property argued for the retention of Torridon because less space was needed to accommodate staff on flexible working.
The report said: “Emerging trends resulting from re-mobilisation and the council’s Flexible Working Pilot have confirmed that delivery of the services currently based at Arrochar House can be carried out from a smaller area than occupied at present.”
The services which will move to Torridon from Arrochar house include Livingston Social Work Area Office, Livingston Customer Information Services, certain NHS activities closely related to Social Policy, Housing Area office and some Economic Development functions - notably The Business Gateway.
Delivering the report to councillors David Baird, the Property Services Manager said: “The retention of Torridon House will continue to facilitate the saving of £222,000.
Councillor Damian Doran-Timson, Conservative Group leader, asked: “With regards to lease to KW Law what, if any, does KW Law have as a get out clause. What is the risk if the lease isn’t agreed or terminated early?.
Mr Baird replied that the tenant has the option to break at year 5 of a 10 year lease: “The council would lose a rental for £45,000 a year and would be liable for non domestic rates . As it stands it's a good news story. We don’t need that space and it’s currently occupied by the tenant.”
Councillor Doran-Timson said: “ Indeed it is a good news story, if it’s agreed. If it’s not the council loses out on £45,000."
In another report to the Executive property and estate officers outlined proposals for the continued lease: “KW Law currently operates from two offices; one being the East Wing Ground Floor, Torridon House, Almondvale Boulevard, Livingston and another office location in Bathgate. The company provides legal assistance to a range of clients from private individuals, families, businesses, partnerships and also undertakes Legal Aid work for eligible clients.
“Having an established operating presence KW Law approached the council with an aim to secure a new lease for the premises they currently occupy. The existing lease is due to expire in 2024.”
The report said: “Taking these factors into account, officers consider there is a strong and sound business case for retaining Torridon House on the grounds of best value, service delivery and customer impact and the ability to achieve approved savings.
