MIDDLESBROUGH Council is looking at plans to leave its current headquarters and create a new base in the town centre.

If it stays in its current 1960s building a major investment of about £6.5m will be needed over the next five years to bring it up to modern-day working standards, with projected running and maintenance costs over the next 35 years rising to £20m.

The council’s Executive will next week consider a report which recommends it moves out of the existing Civic Centre once an alternative location is agreed.

It is part of an ongoing drive to reduce costs by leaving the ‘outdated’ building, reducing energy costs as well as freeing up important development space.

Centre Square in Middlesbrough has been earmarked for a major new office development, creating a ‘city-style’ environment.

The current Civic Centre building, which adjoins the Victorian Town Hall on the northern side of Centre Square, was built in the mid 1960s and has been the council’s main administrative hub for more than five decades.

The concrete structure of the building has a limited lifespan and may reach the end of its usable life over the next 35 years, meaning even more significant work or relocation will be needed.

The Executive report explores a number of options - including the use of existing Council buildings and other town centre office accommodation - with a recommendation for a new-build development to house the Council’s staff of around 600.

While the up-front cost of a new-build could be up to £14 million, the overall cost of a complete refurbishment of the existing building is estimated at up to £16 million.

It is also considered the new-build – with an estimated lifespan of 60 years - would deliver more benefit to the town over a longer period.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for City Centre Strategy, said: “For some years, the Civic Centre has not been fit for purpose as a modern working environment and it does not support the Council’s ‘agile working’ approach.

“While refurbishment has to be considered as an option, the clear advice is that this is not a cost-effective solution in the long term. It makes sense that we further explore the development of a new Civic Centre which will reflect the size and flexibility of the Council’s current and future workforce.

“This approach will also enable new development around Centre Square.”

The report will be considered at a meeting on Tuesday. If agreed, further recommendations will be considered in the New Year.