Greenwich Council has made the decision to sell off the equestrian centre in Shooters Hill, which had been closed earlier this year. The centre, built in 2013 as a legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games, cost £1.6 million and was a joint venture between Hadlow College, the council, and the British Equestrian Federation.
The council’s cabinet agreed to sell the site at a meeting on Tuesday, with Pippa Hack overseeing the sale process to ensure the best price is obtained. The property, which covers 6.29 acres and includes a listed building and two other structures for equestrian training, is currently vacant and has high operating costs.
Although there were other options considered for the site, such as transferring ownership to a community group, these were dismissed due to potential financial constraints. The decision to sell the equestrian centre is part of a wider move by the council to sell off assets to bridge a projected budget gap of £27 million next year.
In addition to the equestrian centre, a detached house on Mereworth Drive in Shooters Hill is also set to be sold. The property, which is in poor condition and not included in the refurbishment plans for Shrewsbury House School, has been recommended for disposal by council officers.
This decision has sparked some concerns among local officials, with Labour councillor Mariam Lolavar acknowledging the difficult financial position the council is facing. However, she emphasized the importance of addressing the reality of the situation to prevent further financial struggles.
The sale of these properties, including the equestrian centre, reflects the council’s efforts to optimize financial returns and address budgetary challenges. While the decision may be disappointing for some community members, it is a necessary step to ensure the council’s financial stability in the long run.
