Council reduces building running costs and provides space for local businesses

Small businesses and start-ups will have the opportunity to work from new premises as the Council Elmfield building is to be transformed into serviced offices.

In July 2022, the Council agreed to move Council staff out of the Elmfield offices on New Yatt Road, Witney to work from the local Woodgreen offices or from home. This has meant the Council can lease the empty Elmfield offices which will bring in income to fund local services and provide a new space for local businesses.

Councillor Alaric Smith Executive Member for Finance said “The Elmfield building will provide an excellent modern flexible office space for local businesses, including fixed office space, meeting rooms, and virtual offices. ”

“This move is part of our wider plans to ensure that the council offices are fit for the future and will help with the financial challenge the council faces. The income generated will help fund local services across the district in the face of Government funding cuts.

“We have also seen changes to our offices at Welch Way and Woodgreen in Witney as part of our ongoing approach to improve accessibility to residents, improve services, and make the council operations more efficient.”

The new use of Elmfield will see the introduction of a shared office space that offers and supports small business needs.

The property will be included in the Council’s Solar PV Project and will have solar PV panels installed. The energy generated will be sold to the new occupiers of Elmfield and this will result in more local businesses using green energy and help to meet the Council’s agenda around carbon neutrality by 2030.

The decision to agree to the leasing of Elmfield was made at the recent Executive meeting of West Oxfordshire District Council. 

Contact Information

West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team

communications@westoxon.gov.uk