Labour-run Ealing Council has come under fire from Ealing Liberal Democrats for what they describe as years of inaction over underused space at Perceval House, the council’s headquarters in Ealing Broadway, following the shift to hybrid working after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Connie Hersch, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for crime, anti-social behaviour, communities and culture, has repeatedly raised concerns about vacant desk space in the building, arguing it could be better repurposed for the benefit of the community.
The Liberal Democrats have proposed converting unused office areas into rental space offered at preferential rates to local businesses and organisations. Councillor Hersch said the proposal aims to “support and stimulate communities in the borough.”
According to Councillor Hersch, peak usage currently sees only around 800 staff members – around a third of the workforce – working on site at Perceval House, with many desks left unused, particularly towards the end of the week.
Councillor Hersch said: “It is only now that Ealing Labour have finally begun work to refurbish space in Perceval House which can be used by community groups, charities and local businesses later in 2025. Unsurprisingly, this is being done only a few months away from looming local elections in May 2026.”
She added: “The Ealing Liberal Democrats are keen to see better usage of Perceval House for local communities and small businesses. I am pleased that there is finally some progress, but it shows that Ealing Labour are slow and indecisive in moving forward and have only just woken up as the next round of local elections loom.”
In response to the criticism, Ealing Council defended the timeline of the refurbishment and highlighted ongoing efforts to revitalise the building’s ground floor, as well as progress made and future plans for the upper floors.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Council spokesperson said: “To clarify, works that have recently started in the south atrium on the ground floor of Perceval House are part of the council’s exciting plans to transform the space into a vibrant, welcoming hub at the heart of our community.
“The new civic and community space will be flexible, and available to host events and exhibitions, while also offering secure, flexible rooms for civic events and community use.
“Anyone can currently hire rooms and spaces in the north atrium via the council’s hospitality and events team. We operate a community rate for registered charities and local non-profit making organisations that meet the criteria set out in the policy as outlined on the Ealing Venues website.
“The works to office space on the higher floors of Perceval House referred to by the Lib Dems have been ongoing for over a year.
“Currently, it is not possible to safely share the office space above the ground floor with non-council staff because of security risks.
“The council is in the process of reviewing its workplace strategy and completing works to the upper floors and will look to commercially market any available office space at Perceval House including to partners and local community organisations, when this is complete.”
