A major council building labelled ‘physically, functionally, environmentally and economically obsolete’ is set to be closed from the end of September for its current purpose.

Members of the cabinet for Westmorland and Furness Council are recommended to approve proposals to close the County Hall in Kendal for its current purpose from September 30.

A report prepared for the cabinet meeting says refurbishing the building will require around £7.4 million in investment and will need to be considered as part of any future decision. It adds the future of County Hall will be reviewed and will be subject to a separate decision.

The report states: “The building has potentially now passed a key point where all indicators point to a building that is physically, functionally, environmentally and economically obsolete.”

According to council documents, an inspection in December revealed the electrical systems at the County Hall were ‘unsatisfactory’ and to be compliant the building would need to be re-wired and new components fitted.

The report adds: “In respect of the central heating system, the current Building Management System (BMS) that is effectively the brain behind the operation of the central heating system, has failed and requires replacement.

“The boilers within the plant room have been repaired but these will need to be replaced within the next year (2024/2025). Replacement of the heating system is complex and although work has been done to review the possibilities further investigation and review is needed.”

According to the report an access audit survey found the County Hall had ‘issues’ regarding access to the building. It adds ‘significant alterations’ will be required to the premises to comply with legislation.

The report says the total cost of essential maintenance for the County Hall would be £3.98 million with an additional £3.5 million allowed for the decarbonisation of the building.

It states: “The above essential maintenance would require an uplift to fully address the decarbonisation of County Hall/Offices Kendal and whilst there may be an opportunity to ‘roll up’ some cost by merging both investment programmes it is prudent to allow a further estimated £3.500m.”

The council has also commenced scoping a transfer strategy to merge County Hall service delivery within South Lakeland House and Town Hall alongside wider services, the report says.

The report adds: “A transfer date of 30 September 2024 has been determined to allow a managed transfer and appropriate service redesign and consultation to be undertaken.

“A significant amount of work has been undertaken to mitigate and safeguard against adverse events associated with the risks outlined above to protect employees, visitors and customers.”

Members of the cabinet for Westmorland and Furness Council are recommended to approve the proposal to close the County Hall for its current purpose from September 30 when they meet at Alston Town Hall on June 4.