Tricorn House will not be used to house asylum seekers.
A raft of social media reports suggested the building was set to be used by asylum seekers, but an update on the Stroud District Council website today, stated developers Viladnik Holdings Ltd will not use the accommodation for that purpose.
The post said: “The Government has subsequently written to the Council to advise that the owners of Tricorn House have confirmed that the building is not available to them (developers) to house asylum seekers and refugees.
“The owners continue to be responsible for the building and decisions on the future use of the building rest ultimately with them. The owners are also responsible for the security of the building.”
The building includes 44 flats, 34 parking spaces, a bat shed, external alterations plus a new glazed entrance canopy.
SDC added: “In October 2024, Stroud District Council received a final completion certificate from a registered building control Approved Inspector in respect of the building work at Tricorn House.
“Over recent months, Stroud District Council has been working to reach an agreement with a social landlord (who has the support of the owners) to provide much needed accommodation for local homeless families and individuals. This is the Council’s preferred use of the building and we hope to reach an agreement with the social landlord very soon.
“Stroud District Council provided a response to the Government appointed contractor in 2024, regarding the potential for Tricorn House to accommodate asylum seekers and refugees.
“In all our discussions, SDC will continue to represent the community’s concerns and push for the building to be brought back into use, preferably to meet the local need for accommodating homeless families and individuals.”
The much-maligned former Government Department of Health and Social Security building was built in the early 1970s and has been empty since 1996.
