Council Proposes Selling Unused Assets to Generate Funds

A council is considering the sale of a former care home, a pocket park, and multiple unused buildings, as part of an initiative to reduce its property holdings and secure financial resources. West Northamptonshire Council stated that it has identified various assets whose divestment would be “beneficial”. A report from the Conservative-controlled authority indicated that retaining unused or vacant properties poses risks of vandalism and financial burdens. Among the identified sites are the former Bolton House, located on Wootton Hall Park in Northampton, and Ridgway House in Towcester. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the report detailed plans for the divestment of non-operational structures and small land plots for which the council has no designated purpose. Additionally, the authority is exploring the sale of land adjacent to Dallington Grange in Northampton, Stonepit Open Space in Northampton, Welford Pocket Park in Welford, and the Riverside Resource Centre in Towcester. It was noted that any capital receipts generated from these sales would enhance the council’s capacity to finance capital projects or transformative revenue initiatives. The council further mentioned its plan to sell a brownfield site it owns, though its precise location remains confidential within official council records. The report is scheduled for presentation at the council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday, with a recommendation for the commencement of sales for the previously mentioned sites.