The future of Northdown House

Thanet District Council Press Release

Local people have another chance to have their say on the future of Northdown House at a drop in session being held later this month (December).

Following responses from the consultation earlier this year and subsequent legal advice, residents will be given two options for the future use of the building. The first option is for public use, which could include community or charitable usage, social services, health services or social housing. The second option is for transfer of Northdown House, with additional covenants, to the community itself.

Residents are invited to an informal consultation session at Northdown House to discuss these options and can call in at any time on Wednesday 10 December between 3.00 and 7.00pm. They will be able to look around the property, speak with council officers and put forward suggestions for any potential viable uses for the building.

Although Northdown House was agreed as surplus to the council’s requirements, as part of the first asset management consultation held earlier this year, a decision on its future was deferred so that further discussion could be held with petitioners and those who were opposed to its disposal. Almost 2,000 names were submitted as part of the petition and a total of 50 representations were made on this site, more than any of the 15 other sites in this consultation.

Cllr. Roger Latchford, Cabinet Member for Economy and Culture, said: “Following the response from the first consultation we know that Northdown House is close to residents’ hearts. We’ve taken onboard what people have said to us and now want their views on how the building could be used in the future. Although it’s been agreed as surplus to the council’s needs, we know that residents want to see the building retained for community use. To do that, we need to look at how this could be achieved. One issue that needs considering is that maintenance will be required to keep the building safe and usable for the public. I really hope that people will take this opportunity to work together with the council to establish something both the community and council can be proud of”.