COUNCIL offices are on the move with the current site to be demolished to make way for the next phase of regeneration in the town centre.

Bracknell Forest Council is pushing forward plans to knock down Easthampstead House and create a single town centre office hub in the Time Square building, with 170 staff moving from the current site by next spring.

The move means the council will not have to make the substantial repairs needed to Easthampstead House, which is deemed to be outdated and unfit for purpose due to its age and condition.

Cllr Peter Heydon, executive member for transformation and finance, said: "The costs associated with buildings make up a significant slice of our expenditure so we are reducing the number of buildings we use and maximising the use of our Time Square offices.

"The demolition of Easthampstead House is a big step forward in achieving a £400,000 annual saving from consolidating our offices and will also pave the way for the next phase of the town's regeneration, generating additional income for the council and supporting the local economy."

The council has said that The Lexicon is just one part of the overall transformation of Bracknell town centre and is now planning for the next phase with the input of residents, businesses and visitors.

To support the masterplan review, residents, community groups and businesses have been asked for their opinion on what the future culture and evening economy of the town might look like, in addition to The Lexicon.

A survey was sent to residents in July asking for their opinion, with the results shaping what could be included in the town centre to complement what The Lexicon offers from September 7.