Derelict offices in Stafford are to be sold off with money from the sale used to provide affordable housing for local people. 

The former Stafford and District Voluntary Services offices in the town’s North Walls has been empty for a few years. The Stafford Borough Council-owned building was previously terraced houses - but plans to convert them to supported accommodation have not been viable. 

The local authority has been approached by several potential buyers for the property.  

A report to the council’s Cabinet will propose the empty offices are sold on the ‘open market’ with the proceeds helping to develop affordable homes. 

The report said several models and partnerships for the building had been investigated: “One provider was not interested following inspection of the buildings and determined the costs of conversion were too high and revenue funding for support uncertain…another Registered Provider didn’t think they were viable for use as supported accommodation at the present time.”  

Councillor Jeremy Pert, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said that they had explored other long-term options for the property. 

“With the interest we have had in the building we see the best way forward as selling it and using the receipts from the sale to develop affordable housing for our residents. 

“We have a strong track record of ensuring affordable housing is delivered within the borough and, in the current economic climate, anything we can do to help with the provision of accommodation for people in our community is to be welcomed.” 

The report is expected to be discussed by the Cabinet on Thursday (9 February) and you can see the full agenda at Cabinet | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)

Press Release No 5999