REFURBISHMENT of BCP Council’s town hall in Bournemouth will carry on as normal, despite a suggestion the council could be eyeing up Barclays House as a potential new hub. 

The project, which includes refurbishing BCP Civic Centre, Poole Civic Centre and the council’s main libraries, will cost £8.7million. 

But there has been a suggestion that after putting in a bid of £17million for Barclays House in Poole, the council will relocate all of its services to the iconic, 46-year-old building. 

Bournemouth Echo: The council has placed a bid for Barclays HouseThe council has placed a bid for Barclays House

Reacting to the news earlier this week, Creekmoor councillor Judes Butt said: "Having a central Poole building to house all back office staff and other services would l believe be a positive for all Poole residents."

Independent councillor Stephen Barlett, who like most other opposition councillors learned of the council’s bid in the Echo, said: “I’ve seen Barclays House could be the new civic centre, but frankly having spent all the money on the town hall in Bournemouth, it would now seem ludicrous to change direction on that and invest a lot more money in the Barclays building.  

“It just doesn't make sense to me. 

“But then I’ve not been privy to any of the discussion so therefore I’m only guessing. It would be really nice to understand what the intentions are. 

“What I find amazing is that the council seems to be flipping from one major project to another and with no consistent strategy. 

“The council is trying to stretch itself too far. They’re trying to do too much, too quickly. They should put some of these grand ideas on hold and just get the services sorted out, get the finances right and then start thinking about how to regenerate.” 

Read more: How much BCP Council bid for Poole's Barclays building

Christchurch Independent councillor Paul Hilliard said: “It should be coming to the full council. 

“The main issue for myself and most other people is the decision-making is very sporadic. 

“They need to focus and not overstretch themselves.  

“At the end of the day where is the money coming from? It’ll have to be borrowed again, and we’re already up to our eyes with borrowing already.” 

Read more: BCP Council is looking to buy Barclays House in Poole

A BCP council spokesperson said: “Our refurbishment of the BCP Civic Centre and Annex in Bournemouth is on track, is nearing completion and will be delivered within budget.  

“The remodelling work that we are undertaking will ensure the BCP Civic Centre is fit for purpose and accessible to the public.  

“The modernised facility will also allow for more efficient ways of working for our staff and councillors, as well as futureproofing the buildings for any future uses. 

“The budget for this project, which includes transforming both BCP Civic Centre, the Poole Civic Centre and refurbishment of BCP main libraries to establish council hubs, including the delivery of face-to-face customer services alongside library services, is £8.7 million.”