MIDDLEWICH voters are already wondering if Congleton Borough Council's new £6.9m headquarters willl be a 'white elephant.'
Under local government reorganisation it could become redundant.
But if the Government goes ahead with its second option to split Cheshire into two unitary councils, the building on Middlewich Road, Sandbach, could be ideally placed to become the HQ for East Cheshire.
Due to open on May 14, it has been hailed by council leaders as a 'state-of-the-art success'.
But opponents are questioning the need for it in the light of proposals to shake up local government.
Local Labour Party chairman Sam Corcoran said: 'The new council offices have been shown to be a white elephant.
Millions of pounds have been spent on buildings that will never be fully occupied and may not be needed at all.
'When the building has to be sold, proceeds are forecast to be £1.1m less than the £6.9m building cost plus land value.
'Any Chronicle readers looking for a new office may wish to enquire about renting out a spare office or two!'
The deputy leader of Conservative-controlled Congleton Borough Council David Brown argued: 'The new council office block is a state-of-the-art building and possibly the best in Cheshire.
'I can confirm that 90% to 95% of council workers will continue to be employed on the site regardless of whether East Cheshire becomes a dual unitary authority or part of a larger single council.
'It was also a conscious decision by the council to make the new building suitable for renting but I can assure you that the site will be fully occupied by the end of June.
'It is a possibility that the building may even become the East Cheshire headquarters of a dual unitary authority.'
