HBC'S GAZUMPING CAPERS
Published 11 June 2018
Seems that there's been a recent twist in the tale of HBC's ever expanding property portfolio. When Stonham (a national organisation) put their block of flats on Church Street up for sale we doubt that they anticipated the events that followed.
The closing date for the sale was past, a price of £300,000 agreed with a keen buyer, the deal near completion and then … guess what? HBC rushes in - elbowing aside the original purchaser - and offers what is believed to be a five figure sum ABOVE the previously agreed asking price. Isn't that called gazumping? Rather odd behaviour, especially bearing in mind HBC's repeated claims of poverty & funding cuts.
As the property (Avondene) was previously used as accommodation and supported living to those at risk of homelessness, the Post wondered whether HBC wanted to run such a facility themselves. After all, there are plenty of people in Hartlepool needing a leg up in life. Or could they be wanting to offer more one bedroomed social housing? Word on the street is that neither of these scenarios apply, however. Once extensive (and probably expensive) renovations are complete, it appears the much more genteel concept of student accommodation may be on the cards.
So, just like the now defunct Inspirations café, aspirational 'visions' (and an unlimited cheque book backed by public funds) win hands down. Still, this is Hartlepool … the concept of the 'Cultural Quarter' looms large and must be endorsed at whatever cost.
Tags:
#Church street
# Property
# HBC Purchase
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