CHRISTCHURCH Town Council has faced an ‘unexpected setback’ in taking over a former bank building.

The town council had earmarked the old Halifax building in Saxon Square as the new council chamber and office.

Talks were underway with lawyers on the lease terms and the fit-out costs were being assessed for feasibility.

However, in a report shared at the full council meeting on September 16, acting town clerk James Atkinson said the building was now being leased to another organisation.

Mr Atkinson told members: “Unfortunately, I must report that our efforts to secure a local empty building as the new council chamber and office have encountered an unexpected setback.

“Despite our thorough feasibility studies and extensive legal discussions, the building has been leased to another organisation.

“This organisation has offered a more lucrative financial arrangement and longer terms than we were able to provide.

“This development is undoubtedly disappointing for all involved, as we had high hopes for this location to serve as a central hub for our council's operations.

“The decision to rent the building to another party was made based on financial viability and long-term occupancy, which were factors that ultimately outweighed our proposals.”

Mr Atkinson said it was “imperative” the Premises Project Board was consulted to determine the next steps and identify alternative solutions, ‘ensuring the best possible options are pursued for the council's needs’.

He added he would keep members updated on further developments and recommendations made by the Premises Project Board moving forward.

Christchurch Town Council included plans for a new premises in its budget for 2024/2025.

When announcing the draft budget, the town council said: “A key element of the proposed budget is the consideration of acquiring a new premises to better accommodate the growing needs of the town council.

“This will allow the council to continue to develop and learn as an organisation. The expansion aims to provide a council chamber after being without one since 2019 as well as an efficient working environment for staff that will improve service delivery for council matters.”