Ahead of Cambridgeshire County Council’s move to its new HQ site in Alconbury Weald, they’ve announced an auction for some of their spare furniture and equipment.

Businesses from across the county, including those based in Ely, are invited to put in a bid for any furniture that takes their fancy. Residents and community groups can also put in a bid.

With 163 pieces of furniture, computer equipment, and office accessories up for grabs, those interested have until 6 October at 3pm to bid.

The purpose-built site in Alconbury Weald will be the new home of Cambridgeshire County Council, serving the whole county, including Peterborough, Cambridge and Ely.

The auction is being held in partnership with one of the UK’s leading online auction houses, William George. Enabling the surplus furniture to be recycled and repurposed rather than sent to landfill is in line with the council’s environmental focus.

The new site will be kitted with a number of environmentally-friendly features including 22 electric vehicle charging points and Solar PVs installed on the roof.

Planning permission was granted back in September 2019, and the site will be named ‘New Shire Hall’, paying homage to the former ‘Shire Hall’ premises in Cambridge.

The new headquarters is expected to save the council £60m over 30 years, despite costing £18 million to build.

With the advent of COVID-19, some changes have been made to the original plans, with less desks expected to be installed to accommodate an increase in the numbers of staff working remotely.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the furniture that Cambridgeshire County Council has to offer, make sure you place your bid before the deadline. Online bids will be subject to a 22% buyers’ premium and 20% VAT on the hammer extra.

Sources:

https://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/local-council/council-unveils-new-18m-hq-7325378
https://www.elystandard.co.uk/news/local-council/shire-hall-cambridge-sells-off-surplus-furniture-8310982
https://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/local-council/council-unveils-new-18m-hq-7325378