Friday 10 June 2011

Patcham Place: Long Lease Sale is best option for preserving the C16 building, says Green cabinet member for finance Councillor Jason Kitcat

Patcham Place Old London Road (Wikipedia)
10 June. Patcham Place, a 16th century, Grade II* listed mansion owned by Brighton and Hove City Council, is to be offered for sale on a long lease, following approval by the Council cabinet last night (Thursday, 9 June).

Councillor Jason Kitcat, cabinet member for finance and central services, said: "We think this is the best option for Patcham Place as the council does not have the significant investment needed to bring the historic building back into use.

“Patcham Place is part of Brighton’s history and we’ve been working closely with the planning team on a brief that will ensure the building will be renovated sensitively. The green spaces around Patcham Place will remain in council control for public use.”

Patcham Place was once owned by Anthony Stapley, one of the signatories of King Charles I’s death warrant. Also included on the 1.7 acre site is a Grade II stable block, currently used as a parks depot.

A council spokesperson said: "The council-owned Patcham Place is being marketed as part of the council’s asset management process as it has been declared surplus to requirements. The capital raised from the disposal will be re-invested in the council’s capital and value for money programmes, for the benefit of residents."

"Once marketed the council will evaluate the bids and bring back a further report for the cabinet to make a decision," the spokesperson added.

Patcham Place was occupied by the Youth Hostel Association for nearly 70 years until October 2007. Since then the council has investigated a number of options for the building.

Patcham Place was one of two buildings shortlisted by the South Downs National Park for its headquarters but the new authority chose a location more central to the national park.

The council also looked at the possibility of relocating some of its services there. However, the building was not suitable and the council did not have sufficient funds to refurbish the building.

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