Crawley Borough Council negotiating with Ministry of Justice over costs after the latter moved out of Goffs Park House
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The 19th century building at the edge of the park had been used as a probation centre but now stands empty.
During a meeting of the full council, Chris Mullins, cabinet member for leisure & well-being, said talks with the MoJ – known as dilapidations negotiations – were taking ‘longer than the council feels is reasonable’.
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Hide AdIn the meantime, the building has been put on the market for use as office accommodation.
‘Dilapidations’ refers to the condition of a property during its occupancy or when a lease ends and the tenant’s obligations when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
Mr Mullins said: “It’s an ongoing situation. We’re keen to see, in the longer term, success for Goffs Park House – that would be our ambition – but it’s not going to be cheap.
“The state of that house and what’s been presented back to us is going to be quite expensive.”
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Hide AdCalling on people to be patient, he added: “We’ve got to look at what financial resources we can acquire for it.
“Even if we get an acceptable agreement with the MoJ in the near future – and I hope we do – that won’t really solve our problems in what might be commercial needs [and] to try to get some sources of income from the house.”
A council spokesman said: “We’re working with the MoJ’s agents and surveyors and negotiations are at an advanced stage.
“It is standard after a long-term lease for a schedule of dilapidations to be drawn up and negotiated.
“The building is currently on the market to let.”