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Hammersmith & Fulham council are set to flog off a score of buildings and community centres to help tackle their crippling debt crisis. The 120-year-old Grade II listed Fulham Town Hall is one of the buildings being considered in a fire sale expected to net £20m - a fraction of the authorities £133m debts. Councillors say it could be part of the major regeneration plan for Fulham Town Centre. They are arguing "in this day and age, taxpayers simply cannot afford the luxury of having two town halls in one borough ". The council themselves call the building a "breath taking example of period architecture. Also to go under the hammer is the local Irish Centre - the council is hoping the Irish Government will buy the site on the Blacks Road.
23 charities set for eviction
The sale of Palingswick House is set to prove controversial as 23 charities face eviction after the lease run out the end of August. The building had been used for voluntary purposes since it was left to the borough by a wealthy family in the 1880s. The council say this covenant has since expired. The council claim the buildings up for sale, subject to a 12 week consultation, are under used, provide poor value for money and others are in need of serious repair. They also warn that this is just the first wave in a rolling programme, with more sites considered later this year. A council spokesman said no attempt will be made to retain any of the buildings for community use, and that they will instead be marketed to attract the highest bidder. Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: "All indications are that we will have to have to reduce our spending by around £55 million over the next three years. We have stated publicly that our focus will be on selling our assets to protect services. We have to put people before buildings and safeguard as much of our budget as possible for voluntary sector grants, child protection and services to the elderly." It also is feared hundreds of jobs could go as the council propose merging education services with Westminster Council. Other sites preparing the for sale sign include Hammersmith Library in Shepherd's Bush Road
Fulham Town Hall
The Sands End Community Centre
The Askham Centre
Distillery Lane Centre
Palingswick House
The Irish Centre
58 Bulwer Street
The Greswell Street Centre
50 Commonwealth Avenue W12 Leases may not be renewed for: The Information Centre in Hammersmith Broadway
Cambridge House
Barclay House
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