Rossendale Council's landmarks sale plan to save £1.3m (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Rossendale Council's landmarks sale plan to save £1.3m

4:20pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News

A HOST of council-owned buildings could be sold as Rossendale Council seeks to save £1.3million in the next two years.

Among those that could be auctioned off or rented out are the Rawtenstall Liberal Club and the former town hall.

Properties in Kay Street and Lodge Hall could also be offloaded along with Stubbylee Hall in Bacup.

The options are outlined in a report to the council’s policy overview and scrutiny cabinet regarding ‘the efficient use of its operational and surplus buildings’.

Members will meet next Monday to discuss the best options for the site, which have been highlighted because they are currently out-of-use.

Phil Seddon, head of finance at the council, said it was too early to estimate how much could be raised by any potential sales.

He said: “We can’t really predict what the market is going to be like, but we will be having all the properties valuated to set benchmarks.

“Ideally we would like to develop the sites into residential or retail properties, especially those situated around the new Valley Centre site.

“They have the potential to be part of the bigger package so we think there should be interest there."

The Liberal Club, on the corner of Annie Street and Lord Street, dates back to 1897.

In all cases except Stubbylee Hall, the council is seeking to retain the buildings and development them with its regeneration partners, Barnfield Investment Properties and Together Housing Group.

Stubbylee is subject to covenant requirements which demand it is used for educational or tourism purposes.

In August the council announced it faces a £600,000 shortfall in funding for council tax benefits from next year.

It is also considering cutting the opening hours of Rossendale Museum and Haslingden Swimming Pool as it explores avenues to save money.

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