Somerset Council HQ C Block Sold for £1.7m for Key Worker Housing

Somerset Council has sold off part of its headquarters, C Block of County Hall, for £1.7m to be transformed into flats for local health professionals and other key workers. The move comes as the council re-evaluates its land and assets following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The building has been purchased by Prime PLC, a developer specializing in healthcare properties, which is known for delivering Yeovil Hospital’s diagnostic center. The plans for the site include residential conversion targeted at healthcare professionals and public sector employees. The development is strategically located within close proximity to the Taunton town center and is set to offer 69 new flats, similar to the Moxom development on Park Street.

The operation of the new housing will be spearheaded by Hyve, a not-for-profit provider, with priority given to local NHS staff. If available units are not filled by NHS personnel, other public sector and healthcare workers, such as firefighters, police officers, teachers, social workers, and childcare workers, will be considered.

The sale proceeds, including the designated smoking area, will be reinvested to support essential services in the county. This initiative aligns with the council’s commitment to optimizing its assets to benefit the community and address the budget gap.

Excited by the forthcoming redevelopment, Prime’s technical development director, Will Bilbrough, emphasized the positive impact of holistic accommodation on the well-being and retention of key workers. Councillor Mike Rigby expressed satisfaction with the sale and highlighted the role of such decisions in safeguarding vital services for residents and supporting key workers.

Prime PLC will soon seek planning permission and conduct public consultations for the reconfiguration of C Block. The developer also aims to engage the community through public drop-in sessions as part of the planning process.