Somerset Council is contemplating the sale of a portion of its County Hall premises in Taunton. The move comes as the newly formed unitary authority, established in 2023 following the merger of five councils, finds itself with an excess of office space.

C Block, located within the County Hall complex, has been identified as a potential asset for sale, aiming to reduce the council’s operational expenses and provide a much-needed financial boost. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reassess the council’s property holdings, driven by a significant transformation in office use patterns triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to achieve financial stability.

The council is not only looking to sell parts of its real estate but also to relocate services to more efficient locations. Plans include transferring the customer services hub from Petters House to Yeovil Library, and consolidating Williton’s Children’s Centre and Library, along with services from Beckett House, into West Somerset House. These relocations are designed to ensure the continuity of services while operating from more suitable venues.

The scrutiny committee of the council recently reviewed these proposals, highlighting the dual objectives of decreasing operational costs and the council’s environmental impact, alongside generating revenue. With an extensive portfolio of approximately 150 properties, the council’s “property rationalisation programme” seeks to optimise asset use over the next two to three years.

A definitive decision regarding the future of the County Hall section is anticipated by 4 April, as the council continues to evaluate the best paths forward to financial equilibrium and operational efficiency.