Convent Preservation is ‘Council Priority’
Following the fire at the former Convent of the Holy Child Jesus in Magdalen Road earlier this month reported in HIP 306, Hastings Borough Council issued a press release highlighting health and safety issues. It warned that the buildings remain in a dangerous condition, and that the site contains hazardous materials, including asbestos; it stated that the council was continuing to work with the site owners and emergency services “to reduce risk, prevent unauthorised access and progress further safety measures”.
In FAQs linked to the press release, the council emphasised that it does not own the site which “is privately owned”, and stated that it was involved “because the site presents a live public safety risk”.
The council has, however, subsequently insisted that it was already working with Historic England to prepare a schedule of urgent works at the site. These would be aimed not merely at sealing it off from unauthorised access and vandalism but also at preserving the listed buildings on the site.
The council acknowledges that it has statutory powers in relation to these listed buildings, including requiring the owners – in this case Kroll Advisory Limited, the receivers of the insolvent company DKSS Holdings – to undertake urgent works of preservation. However, a spokesperson for the council stated last week that such powers “have to be used carefully, proportionately and in accordance with statutory process. The council’s priority is to secure the preservation of the buildings through cooperation and engagement with those responsible for the site wherever possible.”
Although compulsory purchase could be undertaken where all else has failed, this “would only be considered where there is a clear legal basis, proper justification, resources, funding, and a deliverable future strategy for the site.”
For further explication of Hastings Borough Council’s approach to heritage responsibilities, see page 17 – Protecting our Heritage.
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