DOWNSIZING Waverley Borough Council offices and redeveloping the site to generate more income is now an option to meet a budget shortfall of £1.8 million.

Members of Waverley’s decision-making executive agreed at their meeting on Tuesday (January 8) to spend £40,000 on an options appraisal of ‘The Burys investment opportunity’.

Borough council owned sites to be appraised for redevelopment are The Burys, Crown Court Car Park and The Wharf Car Park.

The committee heard a previous outline options appraisal by the former administration on the key sites owned by Waverley indicated a significant return could be generated and the investment would support the projected budget shortfall in the future.

Relocating Waverley offices would also be “an opportunity to develop a public service hub with more flexible, efficient office space and joined-up service delivery”.

Cost-cutting action has already been taken by Godalming Town Council, which is seeking permission to move out of the municipal buildings in Bridge Street to an empty shop in the High Street.

Waverley’s finance portfolio holder Mark Merryweather (Farnham Lib Dem) said: “Residents strongly support commercial initiatives that will generate revenue, rather than raising taxes, fees and charges.”

Mr Merryweather added the three sites – including “the one we sit in” – could provide commercial opportunities, adding The Burys offices were “getting on for 50 years old” and the building had “probably run its course”.

Maintenance costs are around £600,000 a year and he said it was under-utilised.

Mr Merryweather said there was space at The Wharf and Crown Court for “some kind of development”.

He proposed that options were explored for a residential development to generate an income stream to boost finances.

Cllr Jerry Hyman (Farnham Residents) asked for more information, saying he had “no idea what the background information is” and didn’t know “what a new hub means”.

Executive vice-chairman Cllr Paul Follows (Godalming Lib Dem) said: “I’m very pleased we will be staying in Godalming, because that’s fundamental to a successful high street.

He warned Crown Court Car Park was a material asset to Godalming’s Wilfred Noyce Centre.

Mr Merryweather said the aim was to “end up with a development to be proud of and generate revenue we desperately need” that would also be “good for Godalming”.