Issue - meetings

To consider the Walden Place Redevelopment report.

RESOLVED that the redevelopment of Walden Place is progressed as a

Council funded and managed project (Option 2) subject to budget availability.

Members considered the report which provided details of the proposed redevelopment of the existing housing scheme at Walden Place, Saffron Walden. The sheltered housing consisted of a four storey Grade II listed Georgian town house attached to twenty-six purpose built flats that had been constructed in the 1980’s. The report proposed separating the Georgian house and 1980’s sheltered scheme, the construction of new communal facilities and the sale of the Georgian house on the open market. Cabinet considered the preferred mechanism for undertaking this redevelopment, either through a joint venture or council controlled programme, which would maximise the return to the Council from this valuable asset.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing said the joint venture option had been explored but interest from developers had been disappointing. Only three developers had shown interest and the estimated return for the Council was considered low.

In response to a question from Councillor Light, the Portfolio Holder for Housing said the council controlled programme option had been taken to the Housing Board and the Tenants’ Forum and had been approved. 

RESOLVED that the redevelopment of Walden Place is progressed as a Council funded and managed project (Option 2) subject to budget availability.