Stay of execution for former ICi headquarters.
The on/off plans to demolish the derelict Billingham House have been put on hold.
Bizzy B, the owners of the dilapidated former ICI headquarters, and Stockton Council went to London’s High Court yesterday, where Bizzy B was seeking an injunction to halt the council’s plans to pull down the eyesore building.
Stockton Council took control of the dangerous building last year and planned to press ahead with its demolition. But Bizzy B had in the meantime signed an agreement with Python Properties, who planned to invest £5m and bring it back into use.
By contrast, under the council’s proposals it would cost taxpayers around £500,000 to carry out the demolition work – though the council would seek to recoup these costs from Bizzy B.
Yesterday, as the court was due to look at the case, Bizzy B and Stockton Council reached an agreement to voluntarily hold off demolition until the outcome of a judicial review. The date for a hearing has now been set for May 10.
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