FIRE-RAVAGED remains of the Crowmarsh Gifford council headquarters could be renovated rather than demolished, a civic leader has said.

The South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district council offices were virtually destroyed in the blaze on January 15.

But there is still a possibility that the £10m burned-out council base could be rebuilt, according to South Oxfordshire leader John Cotton.

Although a full report on the building’s future and the cost of renovating or demolishing it had not yet been provided, Mr Cotton said it could be saved.

It would be the councils that would have the final say, once insurers make their recommendations.

He added: “The initial indication from the insurers is that there is a chance of renovation at Crowmarsh Gifford.

“Tests have been carried out on the concrete floors and their integrity remains.

“It looks like restoration is what the insurers are going to call – that is what we are being told informally.

“Whatever they decide the cheque will be millions but we still have to decide if we are better off restoring or rebuilding.”

Mr Cotton said the councils wanted to make a final decision by autumn and estimated that a rebuild could take 18 months.

Now the General Election has taken place, staff at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils are focusing on the move to 135 Milton Park.

Following the arson attack, some of the 400 council staff have been working at Abbey House in Abingdon while others have been working from home.

Mr Cotton praised the “Blitz spirit” of staff but said they were now looking forward to getting back to normal. The Milton Park office will become a temporary home for up to four years.

Mr Cotton added: “Boxes are now being packed and the move will take place over a fortnight from Thursday.

“The reception will be open to the public by about mid-June. Milton Park, run by MEPC, is a crucial plank of economic growth in southern Oxfordshire – it is doing incredibly well.

“This has been a phenomenally successful business park for a number of years – it’s a great place to have a council office.

“I understand that all Vale staff will be joining South Oxfordshire staff in the new offices. Vale and South officers work very closely together so it makes sense to have them in the same building.”

Vale council leader Matthew Barber said: “Staff will be pleased when they are working together again.”