Council headquarters only filled to a third of capacity

Average staffing levels at their HQ Cunninghame House and Bridgegate House, both in Irvine,  have plummeted, the council heard last week.

Now a major review of NAC's propery portfolio has been launched.

Tory opposition leader Tom Marshall asked the recent meeting of the full council: “What is the normal maximum occupational capacity for staff in both Cunninghame House and Bridgegate House and how many staff attend each house, on a minimum of two days per week?”

Council leader Marie Burns replied:  “Cunninghame House has a capacity of 1,000. The average level of daily occupancy is 336, which equates to 32 per cent.

"Bridgegate House has a capacity of 450. The average level of daily occupancy is 109, which equates to over 24 per cent.

Bridgegate House (Image: Newsquest)

"These figures are averages and occupancy can fluctuate across weeks with Cunninghame House peaking at a daily level of 359, which equates to over 34 per cent, and Bridgegate House peaking at 137, which equates to over 30 per cent.

“All staff with an agile workstyle are expected to attend the office for a minimum of two days a week, and the data also takes into account part-time staff and periods of annual and other leave."

Councillor Burns added: “Work is being progressed on a locality-based property review. 

“This will develop options around how we best utilise our property assets within a Best Value context that takes account of the needs of our communities, staff workstyles and climate impact.”

Cllr Marshall said the buildings were only being used to a third of their capacity and asked what the time scale was for doing an evaluation of the staffing levels.

The leader replied: “The evaluation is already underway and I can assure Cllr Marshall when we have a response a report will be brought back.”