Council awaits judge’s decision on former ICI headquarters.
A council will find out later today whether it can demolish an eyesore building in Stockton after a High Court battle with developers.
The derelict Billingham House, the former ICI base, has lain empty for a decade and became a target for drug abusers, vandals and arsonists.
Stockton Council is determined to demolish the nine-storey tower block, but the plan is being fought by the building’s owners Bizzy B. The firm instead wants to revamp the site and convert it into offices.
Another developer, Python Properties, has signed an agreement with Bizzy B to invest £5m in the building to bring it back into use, saying it could create 1,000 new jobs for the area. Bizzy B has been seeking an injunction at London’s High Court to halt the council’s plans.
The hearing ended on Thursday and the judge is to announce his decision today.
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