Sell-off shock

Sell-off shock

May 7 2004
By Vicky Wilks

South London Press

A BUMPER sell-off of around 80 properties could raise £20million for a cash-strapped council.

Lambeth council has drawn up a list of properties deemed "surplus to requirements", including two schools, an old fire station and an empty hospital.

Kennington's Lilian Baylis School is up for sale - the secondary is due to move to a new building in Kennington Lane in January.

So is Norwood Park Primary School on Gipsy Road, which is due to move to new premises.

The Old Fire Station in Clapham, the former Annie McCall Hospital in Stockwell, Raleigh Hall in Brixton and the South London Theatre in Norwood are also on the list.

A report on the sales states most of the properties will be offered for sale by public auction or tender, although in 13 cases, existing tenants will be given first refusal.

If the sales get the green light from councillors at Monday's executive meeting and fetch their prices, they should raise £20million.

Deputy leader of Lambeth Labour group, Councillor Jackie Meldrum, accused the council of not consulting on the sales.

She said: "Without this information local people and their representatives have been unable to suggest possible alternative uses for these buildings.

"We need new schools, buildings for community hubs and GPs need surgeries - where are they all going to go if these are sold off?"

Lambeth's executive member for finance, Cllr Ashley Lumsden, said the sales were discussed at a full council meeting in February. The public have know since March and the council has consulted with tenants on individual properties.

He claimed the sales will not always be to the highest bidder as some are designed to help the community.

He gave the example of the South London Theatre, which will have the chance to buy its freehold off the council at a reduced rate, and The Rising Sun pub, in Larkhall Lane, which the council wants to be used for community benefit.

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