Is Chichester’s Citizens Advice Bureau office set to move?

A report released ahead of Chichester District Council’s cabinet on Tuesday reveals the CAB could leave its home in Theatre Lane and move in to the district council headquarters at East Pallant House.

In addition, the city branch of national charity Relate, is also set to move with CAB.

Relate provides relationship support and has been based in the same building as CAB.

“We do not have an obligation to provide accommodation for either organisation. However, there is a risk that the organisations may not be able to continue to keep a presence in Chichester due to financial constraints,” said the cabinet report.

“This would cause a gap in service delivery that may have an adverse effect on our communities and particularly those that are vulnerable.

“There is also a reputational risk to the council if it were to make either organisation homeless.”

The council owns the Theatre Lane building and appears to be considering selling the buildings, stating the £61,000 costs of the move could offset if the buildings were sold or let.

It said buildings had potential for redevelopment into homes or for re-letting as offices.

The estates team at the council is set to consider which options will gain most money back for the district.

Both CAB and Relate are keen on the move, in principle, according to the council.

The cabinet report goes so for as saying the moving of CAB in with the council would be beneficial to the community as it would give a ‘better customer experience’ with ‘greater potential to solve customer issues between the two organisations in a single visit’.

In 2013, the council approved its new ways of working project, helping it make more efficient use of office space. Since then it has freed up space at East Pallant House, meaning CAB could move into the reception area and also have a back room.

Meanwhile, Relate would move into offices in Market Road vacated by the parking staff now based at East Pallant House.

It would cost £18,000 to relocate Relate, £20,000 for CAB and further internal works would cost £23,000, making a total of £61,000.

Cabinet will decide on November 3 whether to approve spending the money on the work. If approved, the move would likely be next summer.

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