Council reveals plans for six vacant properties, detailing leases, sales, and repairs.
St Albans Council owns six properties. Three are residential houses or apartments, while the other three are commercial spaces. These spaces include an office, a shop, and a nightclub.
The old nightclub, called Batchwood Hall, was classified as a commercial asset. The council marketed it for lease, and now a lease agreement exists. After planning approval, updates will start; it cost £12,789 to maintain it last year.
The office space is at 35 Market Place. The building is listed, so the council does not pay business rates. They have it on the market to rent, but if there is no interest, they might sell it. Maintenance cost £5,807 last year.
The retail unit is at 5 French Row. An offer exists from a possible renter, and the council is checking them out. The shop was leased until April 2024; council maintenance costs are under £500.
One house needed repairs, which was standard preparation for a new tenant. It cost £5,848 to maintain. Another house is getting a garage conversion, and they await a start date after approvals.
The Aldwick Court flat had lots of work, and a contractor covers all costs. It’s currently not being used as a home; they use it for welfare facilities and surveys. Fire safety upgrades started after inspections, and it should be available to rent in summer 2025.