Roebuck went back to auction last week and was sold to the original local developer, who favours setting-up the hub.
Everything is lined up, with the Pharmacy, GPs and the Community Hub (2 floors in total)
Other serious interest/plans would appear to be: Devon Partnership Trust (1 floor), a housing association (2-3 floors), plus a shop (lower ground), and 2 new floors for housing (built on top)
It seems the new owner is now trying to renegotiate the original deal for the hub, but at a far higher price. They say this is because planners are insisting on more expensive aluminium windows.
There is to be a meeting with the Mayor and owners next week and there needs to be a compromise to keep the plan alive – but time is running out.
Grants secured from 4 statutory agencies (£20k) need to be paid out by 31 March or they will be forfeited.
There is a need for local pressure to be brought to bear. For instance:
Will the insistence on window type scupper the whole project?
There is huge support locally for a multi-use building with housing, health and community amenity, plus a place for community capacity building to take place.
It would be very unfortunate to see this project, which local people support, scuppered. This is possible, particularly in the current climate of cuts and uncertainty.
If this scheme doesn’t come off, the building is likely to remain empty and continue to deteriorate for some time
What are your thoughts – use the comments below to voice your opinions and SLRA will make your views known to relevant authorities.
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