New office space at former ambulance station in Stamford still needed despite new post-Covid home-working culture
A £230,000 plan to convert a former ambulance station into office space is still needed despite the switch to a home-working culture during the pandemic.
That’s according to Coun Kelham Cooke (Con), leader of South Kesteven District Council, who has been spearheading the project for the building on Elm Street in Stamford.
The proposal was approved by the council’s cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday, August 18.
Coun Cooke said: “This exciting investment in our district will provide a sensitively renovated building with flexible open plan accommodation to meet a variety of business needs in the centre of Stamford.
“We’ve had a consistent flow of enquiries about office space in Stamford over the past three years, including during Covid-19. The only change we’ve seen is in the type of space businesses want, with a demand for a more open plan design.
“Therefore, we are confident that our plans will ensure value for money for our taxpayers, and business accommodation that has longevity, serving the needs of Stamford for generations to come, and adaptable to changing business demand.”
The building, which was also the town’s first fire station, has stood empty for at least five years.
The project will not only bring a historic building back into use, it will also provide premium office space for up to 15 people.
“There’s a lot of history and pride in this small building,” Coun Cooke told fellow cabinet members at the meeting.
The money to fund the project will come from the regeneration budget carried forward from last year, he added.
Coun Robert Reid (Con), cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “I feel it is an exciting use. It’s long-awaited and there’s a real need. It outweighs any criticism that I’ve heard.”
The Lindum Group has now been appointed to restore and renovate the 1,200 sq ft building with work expected to be completed in 12 to 15 weeks’ time.