An unconditional offer for the freehold of the Civic Centre campus at Stockwell Close has been accepted, with the financial certainty and security this brings.
The sale of the Civic Centre follows the earlier successful purchase of a new Civic Centre building at Churchill Court, with the agreement set to deliver long-term savings and improvements in service for council taxpayers. The details of the sale are not being disclosed at this time but will be made public when contracts have been exchanged with the chosen purchaser.
Councillor Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council said:
“Sad as we all are to be leaving our current home, I am also delighted to confirm the completion of this agreement. This will not only enable the council to deliver better services but will also lead to greater efficiencies and revenue savings, which will serve to support vital services to the borough's most vulnerable residents over the difficult years which lie ahead.
We remain absolutely steadfast in our determination to drive out value for money in everything we do at a time of national crisis across local Government, which is precisely what this agreement will bring. I am also very pleased to reconfirm that the greenspace surrounding the Civic Centre will remain in perpetuity as parkland and is not included in the sale, as we have always promised. As soon as we are contractually able to say more, we will of course do so.”
The decision to dispose of the Civic Centre campus follows Executive agreement in November 2022, with the decision to purchase the new Civic Centre being made in December 2022. Marketing agents were subsequently instructed by the council in May 2023 to seek offers for the freehold interest of the site on an unconditional basis. Initial ‘expressions of interest’ were submitted in November 2023, with subsequent rounds of bidding conducted in April, May and June 2024.
The Bishop’s Palace forms part of the Civic Centre site and is Grade II listed, which means strict planning restrictions and regulations are in place to preserve its historical significance.
Prior to the exchange of contracts with the prospective purchaser, details of the sale need to remain confidential, with details being shared thereafter with the agreement of the purchaser.
