|
|
 |
| |
UCLH properties
must be used for key workers
PRIME properties due to be sold off by University
College Hospital should be turned into homes for key workers
and not be left to rot for years, residents warned this week.
Worried neighbours, speaking at a meeting chaired by Holborn
and St Pancras MP Frank Dobson, called for the UCLH-owned buildings
– expected to bring in well over £100 million –
be put to community use rather than sold to luxury developers.
The sell-off, prompted by the hospital’s move to a £420-million
site on Euston Road, is expected to clear the hospital’s
deficit, which currently stands at £30 million.
But UCLH chief executive Robert Naylor vowed to consult with
neighbourhood groups over the future of each building at a public
meeting at the American Church in Tottenham Court Road.
UCLH chief executive Robert Naylor, Charlotte Street Association
secretary Max Neufeld and Camden Council deputy leader Theo
Blackwell attempted to answer a torrent of questions from worried
residents.
The discussion covered the Middlesex Hospital, old nurses flats
on Huntley Street, the Odeon site in Grafton Street, Arthur
Stanley House, Tottenham Mews and Cleveland Street outpatients
building.
While some residents called for more housing for nurses in central
London, the meeting heard how the flats had fallen into the
hands of squatters for nearly a year before security was improved.
Mr Naylor said: “The bottom line of the trust is to dispose
of the site to maximum value. It’s not up to us what goes
on there, it’s up to Westminster Council.
“I hope the new owners of the site will turn it into something
of real value to the local community.”
Cllr Blackwell told the meeting the council would do its best
to ensure the public got the greatest deal from the sale. |
|
|
|
