Yahoo News What Teessiders want to fill vacant Debenhams site after controversial Stockton Council purchase
A council has defended the decision to buy up a former Debenhams building from accusations that it was an "inherently significant risk" using taxpayers' money - and Teesside Live readers are inclined to agree in our comments section.
Stockton Council bought the Debenhams high street building last year as part of its 25-year plan to regenerate central Stockton and north Thornaby, with council and local Labour leader Bob Cook saying that "productive discussions with potential tenants" were ongoing. Conservative leader Tony Riordan raised the cost of the purchase - "for £500,000 plus stamp duty, land tax and associated fees" - and questioned the ongoing costs of maintaining it.
Cllr Riordan claimed that these extra costs include failing to order a detailed structural survey, failing to budget for repairs and maintenance and failing to identify a tenant for costs of at least £70,000 a year. That, he argued, "has created an inherently significant risk to the council taxpayers of this borough".
Cllr Cook said: "It would have been complicated if we hadn't bought it because we owned part of it and the developer who was selling it had the other part. We are talking with somebody who's interested in going in, we've had detailed talks with them to move in there so we're hopeful that will happen in the near future."
Reader Allie666young thinks that it shouldn't have gone ahead: “Spending our money yet again! Why on earth does no one have any say on this! This is getting way out of hand now. They are already in enough debt why not add some more to the pyre!”
Commenter Typical is pessimistic: “Same old rubbish from this council, this building will still be empty in five years time.” Cyclop agrees: “If all else fails they can put council tax up. The bottomless pockets of council tax payers.”
Bigbry1965 writes: “Is this the same council that has an overspend on its budget, has children living in poverty, pensioners having to use community spaces to keep warm? Is being a commercial property developer part of its remit, I don't think so, I am sure it's not a statutory service.”
On our Facebook page, some people think that the building should still be a core part of central Stockton. Tony Jones says: “This building has the best potential in Stockton. It should be rammed with pop up bars, street food and small businesses.”
Jason Rossiter agrees: “Exactly, should be a big market-style area for independent businesses, encouraging people to shop local and support our own residents and businesses.”
Have your say! What's your ideal use for this former home of a high street giant? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
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