Thread by @Andrewwood17

Fascinating trip with @going4golds yesterday to see @Brent_Council Town Hall building to learn lessons for our new town hall in Whitechapel
Brent have more electric vehicle chargers (47) in their town hall car park then Tower Hamlets Council has in the whole of the Borough!
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Brent town hall built 2013 as part of Wembley development so is surrounded by new offices, homes, shops, restaurants & stadium
Close to Wembley station
Has nice outside space for staff / meeting attendants as well as indoor garden space
Real feel of light inside
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They rent out part of office space to Air France & others
Sainsbury & Starbucks are also occupants
They rent out Council meeting rooms for weddings, banquets, meeting, conferences
Helps generate income but also providing useful facilities for residents/businesses
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Inside they have customer service centre with nice comfortable waiting areas for people who arrive stressed, including self-service
Includes public library
Wedding venue for civil marriages
Plus Council chamber (v different to TH Council chamber but designed for multiple use)
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Proper cycling facilities for staff!
Storage for bikes, staff lockers, showers next to cycle store (heated floor!) more bikes then at TH even on a quiet day
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Other lessons learn't buy wipeable furniture & dark carpets
But simple palette of materials: concrete, glass, steel & good design work well together & has worn well
I would like to work in a building like this
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Built to BREEAM Outstanding level, greenest local authority building when complete
We will be asking Tower Hamlets Council project staff to go visit Brent to learn some lessons for our own new town hall
Lastly nice clear display at public entrance of Council information
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