This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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SNH and SEPA to share offices in Aberdeen
08/12/2006
Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are to develop new shared premises in Aberdeen.
A new property in Old Torry will replace existing separate offices which are no longer fit for purpose.
The decision to share accommodation reflects the commitment of both bodies to improve the way public sector services are delivered.
Announcing the decision, Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said:
"SEPA and SNH have important roles to play in shaping our future through the protection of our environment and the promotion of biodiversity.
"The decision to move to shared accommodation demonstrates our commitment to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery and the vision within both organisations to consider the wider environmental and regeneration benefits of their corporate decisions.
"This decision is good for the Scottish taxpayer, with the co-location expected to cost around £1 million less than separately replacing the existing two properties.
"I am confident that in addition to providing first class accommodation for both bodies and value for money for the public purse, the new building will make a major contribution to the regeneration of Old Torry and will be welcomed by local residents"
Co-location is expected to facilitate closer working between organisations and teams with shared customers and to make the best use of public sector assets by sharing accommodation and common services, such as office management and reception services.
The co-location, on a brownfield site with good accessibility for the public, will also contribute to the regeneration of Old Torry, providing a catalyst for the developing vision for the area which is expected to include housing, leisure and business elements.
The initial build programme for the project will be phased over this year and next and will be led by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency as the larger of the two occupants.
Background:
SEPA's office and laboratory buildings Greyhope House are no longer able to support its operational needs in northeast Scotland. The building houses 102 staff. It is anticipated that new duties will see at least 65 additional staff in the next 3 years.
The buildings were inherited from the North East River Purification Board (NERPB) at SEPA's inception in 1996. Built in the late 1930's/early 1940's, the buildings have now reached the end of their design life and require substantial repair and modernisation to meet current legislation.
The need to replace SEPA Aberdeen's office and laboratory was identified in SEPA's Estates Strategy in 2001 when RSP Consulting Engineers and Bell Ingram Design carried out surveys. These were updated in summer 2004.
SNH's Area Office in Aberdeen currently houses 37 staff, within converted townhouses. These premises were originally designated as the SNH Regional Office for northeast Scotland. The high costs of leasing and maintaining the current properties, operational limitations and the change in function from a Regional to Area office had led to SNH considering a relocation of its staff to more suitable premises.
The regeneration vision for the area around Greyhope Road and Sinclair Road in Torry, Aberdeen is being led by the Old Torry Partnership, with support from Grampian Housing Association, Aberdeen City Council and the local community. Land released at the current SEPA site is expected to be redeveloped, as housing, as part of the overall vision for the area.