Poole Labour Party has criticised the sale of the town’s Civic Centre as completion nears.
The Grade Two listed building is expected to be sold to Manchester based developer MCR Property Group by the end of March, with redevelopment expected to support future housing targets although detailed plans for the site have not yet been confirmed.
Jake Ruggier, chair of Poole Constituency Labour Party, said the decision showed the impact of changes brought by the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole council merger and claimed it had damaged the town’s civic identity.
He said: “Residents’ worst fears about the consequences of the BCP merger have been realised. Not only has Poole’s civic identity been eroded and now sold off.”
The statement also raised concerns about potential future costs if part of the site were rented back for council use and questioned figures previously quoted about the building’s annual running costs.
Councillor Mike Cox, deputy leader of BCP Council and cabinet member for finance, said the process followed a democratic decision made by councillors last year.
He said: “The sale of the Civic Centre has fully complied with the democratic decision taken by council. These savings will continue to provide essential services to our most vulnerable residents.”
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