Liverpool City Council pushes on with disposals

Liverpool City Council is pushing ahead with plans to rationalise its estate by earmarking three more buildings for disposal.

In a report to cabinet ahead of a January 6 meeting, officers said the move would save running costs of £810,000 over the next two years and reduce the maintenance bill by £630,000.

Future disposals could generate receipts of £1.6m, but the report also concedes demolition may be the best option in some cases. The three sites cover a total of 23,800 sq ft.

This is the second phase of a disposal strategy that was put in place to reflect the council's shrinking workforce. It said there were more than "650 vacant workstations" in April, 2011.

The latest properties are:

• Harrowby Close, Toxteth – The council said the site – vacated by the inclusion and commissioning service in September – is "a number of ex-council houses" that have been linked together. It is considering demolishing the buildings because it expects there to be limited interest.

• Sefton Grange – Around 100 adoption and fostering staff will move out in July. The council was looking to use the site as part of a redevelopment of the neighbouring St Hilda's school. This plan is now uncertain following the withdrawal of Building Schools for the Future funding so the council is considering either a sale or demolition.

• Fairfield Centre, Kensington – Some 60 staff will move out in March. The site was used as a day centre and by the local community in the evening.

The council is also looking to dispose of 4 Moss Grove, Toxteth, which was used by an asylum support team, and a vandalised building in Boaler St, Kensington.

Phase one included 08 Place, Job Bank Tunnel Road, Newhall Cottage 1, Mansion House, Coach House, 115 Anfield Road, Kempston St, Dyson Hall, and the Cotton Exchange.