A government department has released a statement after local residents expressed worries about a disused former employment centre building.
Boundary House, located on Boundary Road in Hove, served as the local job centre before shutting its doors three years ago.
Since that closure, the property has remained empty, prompting those living in the vicinity to voice concerns regarding the building’s state and reports of improper activity occurring within the premises.
City Estates, which acts as the joint managing agent for the site, indicated that it has been addressing issues stemming from a lengthy government tenancy.
According to information provided to the publication on August 17, the leaseholder, HM Government, had only settled the outstanding dilapidations claim on behalf of the freeholder during the previous week.
A representative explained that prior to this payment, the firm had been prevented from either re-letting the space or converting it for residential purposes while the disputed amount remained outstanding.
The Department for Work and Pensions stated that it met all its responsibilities upon vacating the premises in July 2023.
A departmental spokesperson indicated that the Hove Jobcentre ceased operations in July 2023 and that all obligations had been discharged at the time of departure.
The spokesperson clarified that the building no longer falls under the department’s occupation or management, and that ongoing maintenance and care of the site now rests with the property owner, who could have chosen to refurbish or redevelop the location following the department’s exit.
Local residents living adjacent to the former job centre expressed that the situation at the site was a source of significant concern.
Beyond reports of antisocial behaviour, those living nearby pointed to the building’s declining physical state.
Questions were also raised regarding the potential presence of asbestos within the structure and the risk of disturbance posed by unauthorised entry.
City Estates maintained that it would be inaccurate to claim that the property owner had simply permitted the premises to deteriorate over the three-year period, noting that it had been engaged in resolving a considerable dispute following the government’s departure.
A representative for the firm explained that Boundary House had been occupied by HM Government for more than fifty years.
The government vacated the property on 1st August 2023 but failed to return it in the condition stipulated by the terms of the leases.
A comprehensive schedule of dilapidations was subsequently issued, with the claim surpassing £1.4 million.
Despite the state in which the building was left, the government contested the amount and postponed resolution for approximately two and a half years before finally agreeing to settle three weeks prior.