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City politicians are set to discuss a new proposal that calls for the construction of a new city hall and the redevelopment of the land around it in downtown London, part of a larger plan to bring all municipal government staff under one roof.
In a report going to politicians next week, staff are asking for the green light to start a procurement process that could see the redevelopment of the so-called city hall campus, which includes city hall at 300 Dufferin Ave., the apartment building directly to its north, little-used Reg Cooper Square, and Centennial Hall.
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The move is part of city hall’s long-term goal, called the master accommodation plan, to solve the issues of an aging city hall building – built in 1971 – and of scattered city staff, who are now working at different locations around downtown at a cost of $3 million a year. Staff say it’s also needed to make room for the extra city staff expected as London’s population rises.
“It is evident that immediate needs and the long-term requirements of the city warrant an investment in creating new, more functional administrative and council space to enhance customer service delivery and public service functions,” the staff report reads.
Bringing all staff back to one location would not only improve the delivery of services to Londoners but also save millions of dollars as the costs of leasing office spaces are only expected to rise, according to the staff report.
It also suggests this should be achieved by refurbishing the 12-storey city hall building, which is now fully occupied, and “constructing additional space for administrative, council and community uses.”
City council has already earmarked $125 million for the accommodation plan, money that was approved during the 2020-23 multi-year budget.
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