Merseytravel's new HQ will cost the taxpayer £85m
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Bosses at Merseytravel have been accused of setting-up a potentially damaging "ivory tower" culture at its controversial new office block.
Merseytravel is already under fire for spending #85m on their new headquarters at Mann Island on Liverpool's waterfront.
And now questions have been raised over a decision to locate all the offices of department chiefs on the 13th storey, top floor of the building.
Some councillors and a psychologist say it's a mistake that will lead to a "them and us culture" but Merseytravel have defended the move.
Labour Cllr Joe Hanson, chair of the authority's People, Organisational Development and Governance Delivery Committee questioned the "hierarchical floor allocations" and the effect it would have on staff.
Mr Hanson said: "From a personal view, I think that the directors should be working alongside their staff.
"We will be having a review into the floor allocations, but these plans are set in stone and it would require some work to put the directors somewhere else right now.
"There will be negotiations with various groups across the organisation in the future to discuss the implications of the floor allocations on staff.
"These are to try and ensure that we do the best for our employers and the people of Merseyside."
Opposition Lib/Democrat group leader on Merseytravel, Cllr Andrew Makinson slammed the "ivory tower mentality" behind the move.
He said: "It's a very curious state of affairs.
"It could create an "ivory tower" mentality and have a detrimental effect on the morale of staff.
"There appears to be a hierarchy of power. Ideally the different directors should be working alongside their staff.
"Merseytravel have said that as the top floor is smaller than the others it would be harder to rent out such a small space.
"But the views from the top floor are spectacular so I'm sure that had something to do with their decision."
Organisational Psychology expert Cary Cooper said the move could give rise to a damaging "us and them" mentality.
University of Lancaster lecturer Prof Cooper said: "I don't think that having the executives separate is good practice.
"If I was them I would have each department working together as a team, otherwise it could create an "us and them" mentality."
It has also been revealed that floors two to six in the building will not be occupied by Merseytravel who are seeking to sub-let the floorspace to tenants.
A Merseytravel spokesman said: "The thirteenth floor is not exclusively for directors' offices.
"Approximately one third of the floor is taken up by building services plant and equipment.
"The floor will also provide accommodation for the Chair of Merseytravel, his support staff and the departments which organise corporate events an well as our Public Arts team.
"The thirteenth floor, because it also houses plant and equipment, is the smallest and therefore a less attractive letting proposition."
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