A FORMER bank building is being eyed up as a new town council premises.

Christchurch Town Council is considering the old Halifax building in Saxon Square as a new premises. 

Acting town clerk James Atkinson told councillors about the plans during July’s full council meeting.

The minutes of the meeting read: “After council's decision, officers are collaborating with local lawyers on the lease terms for the old Halifax building.

"The fit-out costs are being assessed for feasibility. The next steps will be to create a procurement plan with options such as managing the project internally or outsourcing it.”

Christchurch Town Council included plans for a new premises in its budget for 2024/2025.

When announcing the draft budget, the town council said: “A key element of the proposed budget is the consideration of acquiring a new premises to better accommodate the growing needs of the town council.

“This will allow the council to continue to develop and learn as an organisation. The expansion aims to provide a council chamber after being without one since 2019 as well as an efficient working environment for staff that will improve service delivery for council matters.”