Dudley Council clarifies that Himley Hall is not for sale despite needing to save £42 million over four years.
They are cutting spending and selling assets. Councillors inquired about the possibility of selling Himley Hall during scrutiny hearings last January. Council leader Patrick Harley, who wasn’t present at the hearings, has affirmed that Himley Hall will remain under council ownership, at least for the time being.
Harley believes Himley Hall is a valuable asset and could attract corporate hospitality businesses. Recent investments have been made in Himley, and it generates a respectable income for the council.
He added that he’d never definitively rule out a sale. However, there are no current plans to sell the property, which hosts weddings and other events. While it currently generates a small profit, that profit is growing. The scrutiny committee, however, received conflicting information.
Luisa Fulci, Dudley’s director of digital services said services get central cost allocations and reported that Himley Hall isn’t profitable when central costs are factored in. They will review Himley’s impact after recalculating central costs.
The council is also disposing of other assets, such as public toilets. They have announced which facilities will be closed, while toilets at Castle Street, Little Cottage Street, and the accessible toilet at Market Place will remain open.
Toilet blocks on Meriden Avenue and Castleton Street will be closed. Damian Corfield, Dudley cabinet member for highways and environmental services, commented on the closures.
The council isn’t legally obligated to provide public toilets. Removing essential services is a difficult decision, but they are facing challenging choices during these times. Closing the two toilet blocks will generate savings of approximately £210,000 over three years.