Last year, we shared the Estates Transformation Programme’s (ETP) vision to enhance our core office spaces and begin developing business cases for these improvements. We’re pleased to now update you on the progress made so far and how our plans have evolved in response to a changing landscape. 

The ETP aims to deliver modern, comfortable, and flexible workspaces that support our employees and our ways of working. We’ve worked closely with representatives from all sites to understand what matters most to each team. Your feedback has been central to shaping the designs and priorities of this programme. 

What is changing? 

We’re planning a range of upgrades across our offices to better support how we work now and in the future, such as: 

• modern, fit for purpose workstations, including a good quality monitor and chair at every desk 

• more small and large meeting spaces, including enclosed pods for Teams calls or one-to-one meetings, and larger event spaces with hybrid technology 

• improved wellbeing and kitchen spaces to help you recharge during the day 

• smarter, more accessible layouts and furniture, that make the most of our space and build in accessibility by default 

These improvements have been co-designed with representatives from services across each of our core office buildings, to ensure spaces support how we work. For more details, check out the ETP SharePoint site.  

Navigating the impact of Local Government Reorganisation  

The upcoming local government reorganisation (LGR) has influenced the medium- and long-term strategies across Essex County Council (ECC), and the ETP is no exception.  

We are reviewing the impact of LGR on the plans for each our buildings. Please see an update on the latest progress at each one of our buildings below. 

Updates on our buildings  

Ely House, Basildon 

We are extremely pleased to confirm plans to improve and modernise Ely House have been approved.  

As this will be a whole scale transformation of the interior of Ely House, the work will take some time, starting this month with completion expected by December 2025.  

The ECC working spaces within Ely House will be modernised significantly, including upgrading all our workstations, furniture, and the internal layout of some floors. There will also be many more small, enclosed meeting spaces, improved wellbeing and breakout areas, and various other improvements.

During the period of refurbishment, Ely House will remain open. However, it will be running a reduced capacity as work takes place a floor at a time. Please see the Ely House SharePoint page if you plan to work from Ely House during this time. 

Goodman House, Harlow and Magnet House, Clacton 

The Transformation Oversight Board (TOB) has approved conditionally the business case to upgrade workspaces in Goodman House and Magnet House. Due to LGR, a review of their medium- and long-term viability is required to inform investment decisions. The TOB will decide on the future course of action after this review.  

Meanwhile, the ETP is making immediate improvements at both sites. We have installed new sofas in the reception at Goodman House, are trialling deep-cleaning carpets and are in the process of installing new standardised monitors at both sites. 

County Hall, Chelmsford  

Improvements to County Hall were split initially into two projects – short-term improvement work to E block, and the long-term redevelopment of C and D block.  

Due to LGR, the projected future need for office space on the County Hall site is uncertain. As a result of this the long-term redevelopment has been placed on hold. However, short-term improvements are moving forward in two phases: 

• Phase 1: Improvement work in E block on floors 1 and 2 with new designed office spaces, and an event space on floor 4  

• Phase 2: Reviewing space usage in A (Seax House), C and D blocks 

Each service in E block has a representative involved in Phase 1 to ensure the most impactful improvements are prioritised. The phase 1 business case is being developed to balance the need for modern, efficient office space that supports new ways of working with budgetary constraints and long-term certainty over County Hall’s future. 

We’re excited about the progress we’re making and committed to delivering as many improvements as possible. We know change can raise questions, and we’re here to keep you informed every step of the way. If you have any questions, please visit the ETP SharePoint site, contact your service representatives or write to  etp@essex.gov.uk.