Iconic building may be sold to save council cash

An iconic landmark could be up for sale as a city council looks to save running costs.

Broadgate House, a Grade II listed building that overlooks Coventry's main square, has been shut since January.

A senior councillor has said saving on the building's running costs would help protect key council services in the long run.

The city council said that if plans are given the go-ahead, it "intends to market it later this year".

The five-storey building was once home to several council teams and a separate escape room game.

But leaders decided to close the building after a review of council office usage, according to a report for a scrutiny committee meeting held on Wednesday.

The report stressed the historic importance of the building despite possible redevelopment plans.

It said the move would be "to enable re-positioning of this building as a redevelopment opportunity noting and respecting its listed status."

Staff will be moving out "on a phased basis starting in April".

Labour cabinet member councillor Jim O'Boyle said: "By saving on the running costs of the building, the council will be able to make savings which will enable us to protect frontline services in the longer term."

Broadgate House, which was built nearly 80 years ago, was listed by Historic England in 2013.

The heritage group said the building was a key part of Coventry's post-war rebuilding plan drawn up by city architect Donald Gibson.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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