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24
Jul 2023
Council could sell Harrogate's Jesmond House to raise money
North Yorkshire Council could sell its offices at Jesmond House in Harrogate to raise money.
The building on Victoria Avenue is next to the town’s Jobcentre Plus and is currently used by adult social care staff working for the council.
When the council was created on April 1, the new council took control of assets held by the seven former district councils, including those owned by Harrogate Borough Council.
The authority is facing a £30m shortfall in its first year and is targeting savings of up to £252m in its first five years.
Officers are currently undertaking a review of properties the council owns so it can save money, raise revenue and operate more efficiently.
The council’s Conservative executive member for finance, Gareth Dadd, said a number of “quick wins” are already underway to vacate spaces across North Yorkshire, including moving staff from Jesmond House to the Civic Centre on St Luke’s Avenue.
This could lead to the building being repurposed, sold or rented out to businesses.
A council spokesperson said that the Civic Centre, which opened in 2017, is not on the list of buildings that are at risk of being sold.
Gary Fielding, North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director strategic resources, said:
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