Coldeast mansion will be put back on the market for a new developer to take on the multi-million pound refurbishment project to turn it into a hotel and wedding venue.
Fareham councillors said they were disappointed that the derelict mansion in Sarisbury Green had been allowed to go to “wrack and ruin” and unanimously agreed it needed to be looked after while a new developer was sought.
The dilapidated Coldeast Mansion will be put back on the market for refurbishment
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) in joint venture with Miller Homes was meant to maintain the building in Sarisbury Green and keep it water-tight before Liverpool-based hotel company Sanguine Hospitality took it over to spend between £3m and £4m on the transformation.
But as reported in The Gazette, the company’s chairman Simon Matthews-Williams said they had backed out of extending and restoring the derelict building, with a 104-space car park and 10-space staff car park, because it was no longer economical to carry out the works after it has been left to deteriorate.
Sarisbury ward Councillor David Swanbrow said at a council planning committee meeting: “The developer was meant to look after it. They’ve let it go to wrack and ruin to a terrific degree. It’s a great shame. There’s not anything you can do about it.”
Cllr Keith Evans, who represents Locks Heath, said: “It’s unfortunate that no one seems to want the building. What we’ve got here gives us breathing space and gives the commitment to the developer to keep the building going.
“The decision here will encourage the developer to dispose of the property to a future developer.”
Council officer Kim Hayler defended Miller Homes and said the company has began restoring stable and the courtyards and added that the mansion had been made water-tight externally but not internally.
Councillors unanimously agreed the mansion be put on the market and for money to be found to fund a partial restoration if no new developer is secured and if work has not started within two years.