£59.6m Plaza West move approved by RBC
Published 29 May 2012 22:15
6 Comments
READING Borough Council has approved a £59.6m move from the Civic Centre to Plaza West in Bridge Street.
Labour, Lib Dem, Green and Independent councillors favoured the move at tonight's meeting over a £64.3m relocation to RG2 in Queens Walk or £93m refurbishment of the asbestos-riddled Civic Centre.
They argued it was also more suited to the council's needs - providing better public access and space for all its staff and nursery for their children.
FULL STORY AND REACTION IN THURSDAY'S CHRONICLE
The council also agreed to demolish the Civic Centre at a cost of £8m, with Labour pledging to regenerate the area with developers and not allow it to become run down in the interim.
It also backed calls from Lib Dem group leader, Daisy Benson, for regular updates to come before the cabinet.
But the Conservatives abstained from the vote after attacking Labour for announcing its intentions to vote in favour of Plaza West ahead of the meeting.
The Tories called on Labour to apologise and said the ruling party had stifled debate with its actions.
FULL STORY AND REACTION IN THURSDAY'S CHRONICLE
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 29 May 12
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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TomAinsworth
Unregistered User
May 29, 22:38
Report commentI guess they may get a bit of a barracking off some people, but to my mind, if it's cheaper in the long run and kickstarts a bit of regeneration, it's a goer.
Recommend?
Yes 10
No 20
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NotJohn
Unregistered User
May 30, 09:04
Report commentThe Tories abstained even though they supported the move. They should grow up.
Recommend? Yes 10
No 22
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HAMHAMsterMan
Unregistered User
May 30, 11:50
Report commentLike they were going to say "no".
Personally I'm all for a new crib as long as it encourages workers to be more pro-active. Unfortunately this is the public sector we're talking about...
Recommend? Yes 20
No 7
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MrsTaylor
Unregistered User
May 30, 12:31
Report commentWhat is the point of holding a meeting if the decision had already been made and announced to the press? Perhaps I'll learn more from the paper tomorrow...
Recommend? Yes 24
No 3
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Punter
Unregistered User
May 30, 13:03
Report commentWith the forthcoming redundancies at the existing offices they can afford it.
Recommend? Yes 16
No 4
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CDore
Unregistered User
May 31, 09:00
Report commentI guess its great to have new offices, but will there be any staff left to fill the place?
Recommend? Yes 7
No 3
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