Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed plans to sell County Hall in Hertford and move all meetings to its existing offices in Stevenage, aiming to save up to £15 million over the next two years.

The historic building, which has been used for just two meetings a week over the past year, is expected to generate £9.7 million from the sale.

In addition, council estimates suggest annual running cost savings of around £2.3 million. Council leaders say the total savings will be reinvested into public services such as road maintenance and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision.

The move was proposed and approved by the newly elected Liberal Democrat administration. Council Leader Cllr Steve Jarvis said the decision reflected a commitment to efficiency and value for money, adding that moving operations to Stevenage would also improve staff productivity by reducing travel time.

The proposal faced opposition from some Conservative councillors, who argued against the sale. However, the decision will now go ahead as part of wider cost-cutting and modernisation efforts by the council's leadership.

County Hall, a prominent civic building in Hertford, has been the council's headquarters for over a century. The timeline for the sale and full relocation is yet to be confirmed.