Council move heralds historic step

It is hoped the new headquarters will be finished in 2007

A historical step is to be made in Surrey when the county council's headquarters relocate.

The authority's headquarters has been in Kingston since 1893 when it was still within the county boundary.

But now the council has recommended that county hall be moved to Woking.

Two sites in the town are being considered - Brewery Road car park and Quandrant House in Guilford Road.

Contract to be signed

Kingston has officially been in greater London since 1965 when the boundaries were reorganised although the postal address is still Surrey.

Nick Skellet, council leader, said: "This is a historic step for Surrey County Council and heralds our continued transformation into a modern local democratic organisation and community leader for the 21st Century.

"The relocation of county hall and new office arrangements across the county will bring us right into the heart of Surrey."

A contract is due to be signed in 2004 and it is hoped the new headquarters will be finished by 2007.