Issue - meetings

Customer and Partnerships – (C-017-2021-22) – review of the new branding for the ground floor of the Civic Offices.

(1)        That approval was given to a Branding exercise for the Ground Floor of the Civic Offices;

(2)        That approval be given to Option B ‘The Civic Hub’ as presented; and

(3)        That the Cabinet members noted the comments made by Community Hub partners and the Stronger Place Select Committee at their meeting on 23rd September 2021.

The Customer and Partnerships Portfolio Holder, Councillor S Kane introduced the report. He noted that the refurbishment of the Civic Offices building presented the opportunity to review its purpose and the opportunity to provide a facility that could offer the local community a brand new contribution. The Ground Floor now was a destination for the community where the Council works with a range of other public and voluntary sector partners where solutions could be found in one place ranging from homelessness to debt advice to welfare benefits to well-being. This really was a step-change in the use of the Ground Floor and needed to be seen not as an Epping Forest District Council asset but one where we work with a range of other organisations to provide outcomes for the members of the community. To highlight and reflect this new start a branding was proposed for the Ground Floor to help showcase this new way of delivering services and improve the welcome experience for visitors to the building. Consultation around the design has been undertaken with Community Hub partners and Members of the Stronger Place Select Committee.

The Cabinet and members present debated pros and cons of the two schemes put forward and the names attached to them. It was suggested that maybe if they had the time the Council should have asked local students to submit design for the new branding, something to note for the future. They were pleased to know that the space was acting as a place that worked for local people and was getting a lot of use.

Decision:

(1)        That approval was given to a Branding exercise for the Ground Floor of the Civic Offices;

(2)        That approval be given to Option B ‘The Civic Hub’ as presented; and

(3)        That the Cabinet members noted the comments made by Community Hub partners and the Stronger Place Select Committee at their meeting on 23rd September 2021.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

To provide a branding for the Ground Floor to provide an improved visitor experience and to identify and promote the new service offering for the community.

Other Options for Action:

To not proceed with a branding for the Ground Floor area.

To seek alternative branding designs.