Future of Warwick’s historic buildings up in the air

[dutchman]

More buildings could be left empty in Warwick after Warwickshire County Council approved plans to sell off some of its properties as it strives to make savings.



Over the past 12 months Warwick has been hit with the closure of several high profile buildings and residents and officials alike have voiced their concern that they haven’t been filled.

Most conspicuous is the historic Northgate Street which was hit by the closure of the law courts in late 2010 and no new use has been found, or investor forthcoming.

The county cabinet this week approved recommendations to rationalise its properties, and staff from 12 buildings across the district will come together into five. Surplus properties will be sold off. Council business will be concentrated on five sites in Warwick - at Shire Hall and Barrack Street, Saltisford Office Park, Wedgnock House and Montague Road. Properties in Old Square, Northgate Street, The Butts, Myton Park and Tachbrook Park will be axed.

Other properties to go include two in Holly Walk, Leamington and in Warwick Road, Kenilworth.

Town councillor Rebecca Clarke (Lab, Warwick West) feels it could be a positive if the council does what is best for the town rather than just selling to the highest bidder.

She said: “With 3,000 people on the housing waiting lists if these empty buildings could be handed over to a social housing quota I think that would be very positive.

“People living in the town centre is good for everyone as it fills empty buildings, brings more trade and makes the town even more vibrant in the evenings.

“If they were to go over to expensive high cost housing then I think I would have a problem with that.

“There’s always ways of trying to balance both needs out. You can have commercial uses downstairs with housing above.”

Chairman of the Warwick Society James Mackay was unhappy that historical records would not be kept in the new library at Shire Hall and said: “It’s a great shame that the council is relegating local history collections to Montague Road because they are an important part of the cultural history of the town. I hope they will reconsider whether space can be found in Shire Hall.”

County cllr Colin Hayfield is responsible for customers, access and assets and explained: “If the end result is that we are able to reduce costs, work together closely and deliver a better service to our public, then it is the best way to tackle the financial challenges.”