Leader will weigh up the costs of staying at 'ageing' County Hall

BUT OPPOSITION SAY MOVE TO NEW £19M HQ WOULD BE FAR CHEAPER

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

REFORM UK's Nottinghamshire County Council leader says the authority might stay at its historic County Hall base - despite a new £19 million HQ opening just months ago.

But opponents of the idea say Reform need to “be clear with the public” on how the estimated £50 million cost to stay in the West Bridgford building would be funded.

The Post understands the estimate of between £30 million and £50 million to bring County Hall up to modern standards is disputed by Reform.

The party’s county council leader, Mick Barton, has confirmed he is seeking new analysis on how much it could cost.

Confirming that keeping County Hall was one option on the table, Councillor Barton said: "I've asked officers to look at feasibility costings for upgrades at some of our key buildings and I'll share these with the cabinet in due course.

"I'll then be able to detail our plans more widely about the future of County Hall, Oak House and other assets."