Some of Fenland District Council’s office space is to be let to other organisations in a move that could earn the council up to about £80,000 a year.

Only about 60 per cent of the Fenland Hall site in County Road, March, is now occupied. There is also some vacant space at the Base, the council’s building in Melbourne Avenue.

Negotiations are well advanced with several potential tenants, with final agreements expected to be reached very soon. It is expected that additional staff from these partner organisations will move into council buildings over the summer.

Fenland District Council leader Councillor John Clark said: “At a time when local authority budgets are being cut and there is considerable uncertainty about future government funding, we need to do all we can both to make efficiency savings and generate extra income.

“Bringing in other organisations to occupy our available office space thus makes obvious sense.

“Some deals are already virtually done and work is continuing to attract other potential tenants.”

The decision to seek other tenants for Fenland Hall followed councillors’ decision earlier in the year not to go ahead with a proposal to move the council’s headquarters to nearby Hereward Hall.

The main area earmarked for letting is the more modern section at the rear of the Fenland Hall. Various offices at the Base are also potentially available.

Any significant building work necessary to accommodate new tenants will be paid for by the tenants themselves. Minor works will be funded through existing maintenance budgets.

The plan means that some staff will have to be relocated within Fenland Hall in a way that makes the best use of remaining space. Staff are being consulted over those moves.

Any public sector organisations interested in leasing office space at Fenland Hall in County Road or The Base in Melbourne Avenue should contact the council on 01354 654321 to discuss their requirements.