On the 27th of July I met a representative of Pall Mall Estates, the owners of 67/69 London Road with the leader of the city council. Yesterday I had a telephone conversation to follow up on our recent email communications.
There has been some progress and Pall Mall have commissioned an architect to look at options for the site whether they be the conversion of the existing building or demolition and new build. Both for residential purposes.
The site is allocated for 30 dwellings in the city plan. Pall Mall are looking for 70 to 100 units. I think there are trying to squeeze too much onto the site and have told them so.
Here are the answers to some questions I put to Pall Mall
Cllr Hilton – Did the city council provide you with a list of its contacts from registered social landlords?
Pall Mall – Yes
Cllr Hilton – Have you had any successful negotiations with Registered Social Landlord to progress a housing scheme for the site?
Pall Mall – Not yet, albeit RSL focus has deviated away from apartment development meantime due to Covid. We anticipate this will be revived in due course.
Cllr Hilton – How many housing units do you think would make a viable project?
Pall Mall – Depending upon proposals (i.e. holistic new build or part conversion / part new build), tenure and end product we are looking in the region of 70-100 homes.
Cllr Hilton – Have you made contact with Homes England about securing some public funds?
Pall Mall – Developer/RSL to make enquiries.
Cllr Hilton – What value do you need to get from the sale. I have heard £4 million?
Pall Mall – Yes.
Cllr Hilton – Have you had since we met any non-housing enquiries?
Pall Mall – None I can recollect.