The days of a Surrey council using buckets to catch leaking rainwater could soon be at an end as work is set to start on a £2.1 million facelift of its headquarters.

Runnymede Borough Council moved into its new £12.6m Addlestone civic centre in 2008 but problems have emerged – and in 2023 it was reported that staff had been forced to use plastic buckets to collect water seeping through its roof.

Other issues to have plagued the Station Road offices include trouble with its smart energy efficiency system that meant windows would open and close at random rather than to regulate temperature.

The situation had been described as an appalling symbol of the what was going on across the council by Councillor Don Whyte while he was in opposition before he became co-leader.

Cllr Robert King, who has also since become co-leader, said in 2023 that it was unfortunate the roof had got into this state, adding that showed poor planning.

He said: “We seem to have accrued money for this in our budget.

“It would have been better to have spent that over the years on maintenance.”

He said this would have prevented warranties becoming void and could have extended the building’s life.

The council had previously kept the cost of the project private but documents show it has set aside a budget of £2.1m to replace failing components at its base.

The money is coming from the council’s property reserves.

It said the urgent work was needed as some parts of the building were reaching the end of their expected lifespan, as well as to catch up on previously delayed maintenance work, papers read.

The council has now appointed contractors to carry out refurbishment and expects this to begin shortly with fencing and scaffolding placed around the building over a five-week period.

Officers had said work had been delayed due to the complexity of the project but now estimates that it will take 36 weeks to complete and be ready by April next year.

As well as hosting Runnymede Borough Council, the building is also home to Surrey Police officers, Safer Runnymede and Addlestone Library.

Signs will be displayed by the contractor informing the public on how to access the building.

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