The Council’s Assets and Operations Committee met on Monday 30th June and received an update from Bruntwood in relation to 60 King Street.
As set out in the previous update (4th June), Bruntwood had commissioned a detailed structural survey to inform discussions. The condition survey highlighted the scale of repair works required to the building; the majority of these works were known and identified in previous surveys for the building, these included major works to the rear courtyard and roof over the kitchen, and renewal of many of the different rooves. There were also further works highlighted which arise from the building being vacant for a long period.
Bruntwood remains of the view that it would be possible to find a residential use for the upper floors that could resolve the fabric issues and future proof the building, leaving a lettable asset on the ground floor for a more active public facing use, such as a bar/restaurant.
The Town Council has asked Bruntwood to develop this into a detailed proposal as to exactly how this could be taken forward. This will look at how the upper floors would be converted, how circulation in the building would work and developing interest from potential partners. It will also ascertain how the ground floor would be managed and future timescales.
The Town Council has asked for this to be submitted by 31st August and it will then be discussed by the Assets and Operations Committee on 22nd September when a decision on this option will be made. A further statement will be released after this meeting.