Oak House Council Offices

Taking its name from the historic Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, Oak House nods to one of Nottinghamshire’s most recognisable landmarks and its enduring legacy. The three-storey office serves as a modern civic hub, bringing together Nottinghamshire County Council’s civic, democratic and leadership functions alongside key front-line services.

Designed, project and cost managed by Arc Partnership – a joint venture between SCAPE and Nottinghamshire County Council – the building draws inspiration from West Bridgford County Hall, incorporating elements of its iconic green roof and bronze detailing. Internally, the space offers a flexible mix of office environments, shared amenities and a multipurpose space that can be adapted for a wide range of civic functions, with a dedicated public viewing platform.

Procured via the SCAPE Construction Framework, the project benefitted from early contractor involvement, enabling high levels of collaboration and a fast-tracked pre-construction phase. From initial engagement, the team worked at pace to align design, programme and cost, reducing an inherited cost plan without compromising quality or programme. This collaborative approach enabled contract award and mobilisation on site within just eight weeks.

Enabling works began in November 2023 within a complex environment, where challenging weather conditions demanded agile working and proactive solutions to manage difficult ground conditions. Regular collaborative planning sessions, risk reduction meetings and transparent communication enabled the team to keep the project on track. The accelerated delivery of key spaces towards the end of the programme enabled a full council meeting – open to both councillors and the general public – to take place prior to the building’s official opening. This was achieved without compromising overall programme or safety, with early access granted three months ahead of completion.

Aligned with the Council’s ambition to reinvest in Nottinghamshire’s economy, the project was delivered through a strong, locally based supply chain - supporting jobs, skills and wider economic activity across the region.

This commitment is reflected in delivery, with 67% of labour and 72% of spend sourced within 20 miles of the site. The project also prioritised local SMEs, achieving 80% engagement and 93% spend. Fair payment also played a key role, with 100% of supply chain partners paid within 15 days – helping support business resilience and long-term relationships. The project achieved a 45/45+1 CCS score and 100% CLOCS compliance, alongside strong satisfaction outcomes, including a 9/10 value for money score and 9/10 supply chain satisfaction.

Early and proactive engagement with the local supply chain improved efficiency, strengthened programme certainty and unlocked further value. Design solutions were tested collaboratively, while programme benefits were realised through close working with partners – most notably reducing the steel frame installation period from 15 weeks to 9 weeks.

Beyond construction, the project also contributed to developing future skills, supporting 259 apprenticeship and T-Level weeks, alongside additional work placements, helping to create long-term opportunities within the local workforce.

Richard Allen, Managing Director at R&R Joinery Services, a local supply chain partner operating just four miles from the project, said:

Our two owners were born and raised in Hucknall, so the opportunity to be part of this project, providing a great new workspace for Nottinghamshire County Council has been fantastic. This project is our first with Morgan Sindall which has expanded our client base and will allow us to grow and take on an apprentice in the coming six months.

A focus on operational performance and embodied carbon reduction was embedded throughout the project, which culminated in a BREEAM Excellent certification for its recognised sustainable design, construction and performance.

The building’s low carbon design incorporates high insulation levels and passive environmental features to minimise energy demand and reduce operational costs. Sustainable technologies, including photovoltaic panels, efficient LED lighting and air source heat pumps, provide low carbon energy generation and efficient heating, while rain gardens support sustainable drainage and biodiversity.

During delivery, further carbon savings were achieved through close collaboration with the supply chain, including the use of Electric Arc Furnace steel, reducing embodied carbon by 214 tonnes of CO₂e – the equivalent of heating 80 homes in the UK annually.

From the outset, Oak House focused on delivering long-term value for the local community, ensuring investment extended beyond the building itself.

More than £9.6m in social value was generated, supporting local economic growth, skills development and community engagement. A strong emphasis was placed on education and skills, delivering 259 apprenticeship weeks and 7 work placement weeks, alongside 58 hours of school engagement activity. These initiatives provided opportunities for local people to gain hands-on experience and insight into careers in construction.

This commitment extended to an ongoing partnership with Nottingham Trent University (NTU), engaging students at key points in their academic journey through careers events, apprenticeship open days and a programme of guest lectures. Students were also given direct exposure to the project through site visits to Oak House and opportunities to engage with the team as part of their final year studies, providing valuable insight into construction and supporting future talent entering the industry.

This approach is exemplified by Graduate Site Manager, Luke Melville, an NTU alumnus who contributed to the delivery of Oak House, highlighting how investment in local education can translate directly into skilled roles on live projects.