THE future of Alcester’s neglected Greig Hall has finally been decided following a three-day court hearing at the High Court in Birmingham last week.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been granted a vesting order, which will see the site transferred to the district council in full and final settlement of the outstanding debt.
Under the terms of the Court Order the property should transfer to the district council on January 31 2020.
Cllr Tony Jefferson, leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: “This is fantastic news and testament to the expert team of officers and legal team who have been working on this case so diligently.
“This has been a concern to the district council for a number of years and we have been working with the Greig Trustees over a number of years to try and find a way to resolve the difficult situation that existed around the Greig Hall and the Lifestyles building.
"We look forward to working with the trustees to achieve a smooth handover for all users.
“The district council is committed to safeguarding the future of the site for the residents of Alcester, the surrounding area and future generations and has funds ring-fenced to invest into the leisure facilities."
He added: "With ownership of the site coming under the district council’s control we will be able to fulfil one of our corporate priorities which is to refurbish the Lifestyles Sports Hall at the Greig Centre as a priority.”
£500,000 has been earmarked by the district council, for improvements to the Lifestyle building.
The hall. Photo by Stuart Purfield
Community group Friends Of The Greig Hall welcomed the news.
Posting on Facebook the group said: "At last the news we've all be waiting for. Lots of hard work ahead, lots of help and volunteers will be needed. Become a 'friend of the Greig Hall' and we will get our hall re-opened."
However, not everyone is happy with the news with some people suggesting houses could be on the way to replace the hall.
A spokesman from Friends Of The Greig Hall said: "Stratford-on-Avon District Council will refurbish and run the leisure centre and gym. The memorial hall will be run by the community through Alcester Town Council. Friends Of The Greig Hall have been fundraising for the last 12 months in preparation for this."
They added: "Incidentally, there is and has been for many years, a covenant on the land, that prevents houses being built on the land."
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