Full Council decision on Civic Centre move proposals

Ashford Borough Council’s proposed relocation from the Civic Centre to International House was endorsed by councillors at an Extraordinary Meeting held last night (Thursday 23 November).

Now the plans have been approved, it will mean that the council will save around £1.3m per year, without impacting on services delivered to our residents.

Earlier this year the council announced the authority is looking at the possibility of relocating from the Civic Centre offices, as part of wider budget saving ideas. The council confirmed it is facing some significant budget challenges over the coming years.

There is a strong financial rationale for moving to International House based on building and maintenance costs that will be required at the Civic Centre over the next few years and there being capacity within the council owned International House to accommodate staff and continue to deliver face to face services. 

We will now be taking the plans forward and will endeavour to keep everyone updated, including residents, staff, councillors and other stakeholders as more details emerge.

The move will take place in stages during 2024. but for now, the message to residents is very much ‘it’s business as usual’.