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Councillors will determine the future of Brockhill extra care housing scheme during a meeting of the council’s Executive on Thursday 13 June.
The building requires urgent fire safety remedial works and a heating upgrade, which combined, is estimated to cost £2.75m.
Capital investment required to maintain the building over the next 10 years is expected to exceed £5.8m which is unviable and a disproportionate level of investment for a building that no longer meets modern day standards.
After consideration of the urgent need for this investment the principle of closure of Brockhill was approved by councillors during its 8 February meeting following consultation with residents.
The report, which will be presented to the Executive on Thursday 13 June, now recommends closing the facility by the end of September 2024 and selling the site on the open market for redevelopment. The income from any sale will only be spent on council homes.
The site is expected to remain designated for specialist residential use, such as sheltered accommodation or retirement homes, with any future development being sympathetic to the character of the area.
Speaking about Brockhill, Louise Strongitharm, Woking Borough Council’s Strategic Director for Communities, said: “The ongoing costs and capital expenditure required to keep the building safe and compliant with regulatory standards is simply unviable given the small number of remaining residents, size and age of the housing scheme.
“We have successfully supported many Brockhill residents to move to suitable alternative accommodation locally, based on their needs and preferences, since the decision to close the extra care scheme in February.
“We understand that this is a distressing time for remaining residents, who want clarity around future plans. We are also aware how lonely and isolating Brockhill is becoming for our last remaining residents, so it is in their best interests that we rehome these residents as soon as possible.”
If the recommendations are agreed, the council is expected to seek to demolish the building before selling the site on the open market.