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Former MOD properties that remain empty years after tendering
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The manner in which the Government has handled former MOD properties once these have been transferred to them leaves much to be desired, says the GSLP/Liberal Opposition.
There are glaring examples where they have not obtained the best possible deal for Gibraltar, where tender conditions have been flouted and where buildings with some historic value have been razed to the ground.
They add: The last land deal between the Government and the MOD in April 2004 saw the transfer of a number of large single dwellings which the Government then put out to tender.
NEW ALOES: LARGE CRATER
The New Aloes was advertised in September 2004 and was subsequently sold by tender for £410,000. The building has been completely demolished and planning permission granted to replace the former MOD property with a four-storey mini-block. However, the large crater which followed the demolition works remains there and only very recently has there been renewed signs of activity on the site to indicate that the old building is going to be replaced any time soon.
ROCK COTTAGE: ANYONE LIVED THERE?
In May 2006, the Government advertised Rock Cottage for sale among a number of other former MOD houses. This one sold for £1.3 million. It is not known whether anyone has actually lived in the property following this original sale. However, last year Rock Cottage was put on the market by a local estate agent with the price only available on application. The marketing literature for the property made the point that “there is potential for further property development within the grounds” of Rock Cottage given that it was located on a 3690 square metre plot of land. It is also not known whether the property has been sold on by now.
The Opposition adds that the sale of the New Aloes was announced on 1 December 2004 and this was made on the basis that the successful tenderer and family had to live in it. When Rock Cottage was advertised for sale in May 2006 the form of tender for this property also stipulated that the successful tenderer and family had to live in it. However, the Government allocated both properties to the same successful tenderer obviously on the basis that he or she had to live in both of them. It is clear, many years later, that this residence requirement has obviously not been met.
Commenting on the matter, Shadow Minister with responsibility for development and planning Dr Joseph Garcia said: “It is manifestly unfair that other unsuccessful tenderers who were interested in preserving the New Aloes and then living there were deprived the opportunity from doing this by the Government during the tender process. Moreover, it is totally unacceptable that such plots of land remain empty and have still not been put to the intended use many years later, particularly in a place like Gibraltar where land is so scare because of our limited geographical constraints. "It is also not known what checks are carried out on successful tenderers of properties of this kind, after the tender award, in order to ensure that the conditions are fully complied with. The Government have completely mishandled the sale of these properties and will have to answer for their actions when the time comes.”
08-12-10
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