The Crown Estate ready to sell property near Regent's Park
THE Crown Estate has triggered alarm by announcing proposals to sell off its sprawling estate near Regent’s Park, largely populated by key workers such as nurses and police officers.
The freeholds of the housing blocks in Cumberland Market are expected to be marketed later this year. The Crown Estate insists tenants will still have security over their homes, but there is already concern for its future and worries over who might take over the running of the properties and what they might do to rents.
Labour ward councillor Heather Johnson said: “The estate is very well run as it is and the residents can’t be guaranteed at this stage that they will get the same level of commitment and service from the new owners.”
Camden’s Liberal Democrat housing chief Councillor Chris Naylor said: “I’m sure this news will make some of our older and more vulnerable residents anxious.”
The Crown Estate said rents policies will not change. Paul Clark, its director of investment and asset management, said: “We are considering a proposal to sell these properties to a new owner. The Crown Estate has a duty to maintain and enhance the value of the estate.”