Sale of 'eyesore' Bretton Court still in discussion phase despite vote to sell five weeks ago

The future of the four-storey building has been hold for years during an ownership dispute between Peterborough City Council and Cross Keys Homes.

During that time, the building has been boarded up but graffiti now covers some of the walls and the grounds are overgrown creating an unsightly spectacle to be endured by nearby residents.

Campaigners have been calling for years for action to be taken to breathe new life into the area.

But while the council finally voted five weeks ago that the building should be sold, negotiations with a developer are still ongoing.

This is despite that it has been known for some time that the developer has been keen to buy the site.

A council spokesperson said: “The property has not been sold yet.

“We are in the process of agreeing heads of terms with the buyer.

“Progress is positive and we are working with Cross Keys Homes and the prospective buyer throughout the process.”

Councillor Mohammed Jamil, the council’s cabinet member for finance,has previously called for rapid action to be taken over the building’s future.

He told the council’s cabinet: “Whoever picks this up must go at full speed.

"This may be a catalyst for bigger and better things to come for the area.

“The building has been left sitting dormant for too long.

"In its heyday it was a bustling office space and with the shops all occupied.

“There is a thriving shopping centre on one side of the road and then you look at this.”