TWO derelict homes on land which was being considered for the relocation of Basingstoke ice rink could be brought back into use.

The two borough council owned houses next to the paddock site at Viables Craft Centre were boarded up in June 2019 after Plexus UK Limited – a residential property management company – terminated its lease.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said it was investigating the possibility of using the land to relocate the ice rink, at Basingstoke Leisure Park.

Martin Jones, the council’s head of property and assets, said: “So that the land could be properly considered for this use, the council was required to keep vacant possession of the site.”

He added that they were boarded up to “protect them”.

However, as previously reported, the council is now considering keeping the ice rink in its current location, with hopes to refurbish the existing, dilapidated building.

This means the land at Viables can be brought back into use.

Mr Jones said: “As the site is no longer under consideration as a location for an ice rink, the council is now exploring future development options, which includes letting options as one alternative for the properties, subject to securing capital funds for necessary refurbishments.”