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Release Date: 14 March 2008
Last night, at a meeting of Stroud District Council's cabinet, an emergency motion was tabled to start moves to seek possession of Tricorn House - known as one of the region's ugliest buildings - via a compulsory purchase order (CPO). The building was vacated over ten years ago by the Department of Social Security and since then has remained empty and derelict.
After the cabinet meeting Councillor Nigel Studdert-Kennedy, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and tourism, commented:
"This enormous disused building blights the landscape and is a magnet for anti-social behaviour. It's a big site, which could help employment and regeneration in this town. We were hoping that the owners would be able to develop the site or sell it on, but this just isn't happening, so it's time for us to take some positive action."
In the report to the council's cabinet by the chief executive, David Hagg, reference is made to the accelerated decline of the building and concerns of local people regarding anti-social behaviour and community safety. The site was valued at £1.3milliion only three months ago and offers had previously been made by at least three separate prospective buyers. It is also understood that Stroud-based green energy company, Ecotricity, is keen to develop on the site with a view to expanding and creating new jobs.
Discussions have been held at the highest level. The developer, Wellfair Holdings, and David Hagg, the council's chief executive, held crisis talks earlier this week, but the outcome of the talks was unfavourable.
Council Leader, Chas Fellows, was also keen to stress the importance of addressing the Tricorn House issue. He added:
"The decaying building is a monstrosity, but worse still is that it is at one of the most prominent locations in the district. Its presence depresses everyone who sees it. It has a negative impact on investors, tourists and residents and even people driving through the town. It's time for us to take control and make things happen."
