Public Buildings - Vacancy Mapping
by Anne Laing (Partnerships Manager, RVA)
18 August 2011
The Public Authorities are currently undertaking an Asset Review of their properties throughout Reading to identify under usage and the risks and opportunities that brings.
Whilst the review will take a little time the document will become publicly available and used locally to rationalise the use of a number of buildings by bringing services together and by identifying space within buildings that could be made available to others at reasonable cost. The Thriving Neighbourhood group requested that the asset list be provided in a locality format to enable groups or individuals to identify availability in their area, and thereby be able to make better use of vacant space.
The review is being undertaken at two levels: within the Borough Council area and its own estates/buildings; and as a cross boundary exercise with other authorities such as the Police, Health, Fire & Rescue, and other Government Services.
Flexibility around the timing of use, e.g. the day or time which might be required, the sharing of key resources such as caretaker time, will be key to enabling this process to move forward.
Local libraries are a good example of where sharing a building can enable cost effective services to be retained and to become the local hub once again.
The Estates Team would welcome information and enquiries that will help to maximise use and provide the necessary detail about buildings throughout Reading that enables communities to retain services. Enquiries from voluntary and community groups are welcomed.
The programme is being led by:
Jan Sagoo for RBC properties,
jan.sagoo@reading.gov.uk
Bruce Tindall for wider public authority buildings,
bruce.tindall@reading.gov.uk
Irene Cameron for general enquiries,
irene.cameron@reading.gov.uk
[ST]
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