London heritage advocates are calling on Middlesex County to postpone the sale of its historic former courthouse, conditionally sold to a local developer, to allow for further input from the public and avoid the historic property from ending up in private hands.

Ali Soufan, president of York Developments, said it plans to create a “very large-scale, mixed-use” development at 50 King, while preserving the historic value of the entire property. “Our intention is to enhance what is here, to respect the heritage of the site; that’s Priority 1. Priority 2 is to create developments that generate “robust economic spin-off.”

“I know it is the 11th hour, but my greatest wish would be ratification of that sale to be postponed in some way for further discussion, for the sake of present and future generations in London and Middlesex County. Even with this company’s assurances, even with heritage designations, all bets are off when public property goes private. Companies come and go.”   

   Sylvia Chodas, ACO London Region

Jenny Grainger, Chair, ACO London Region wrote to York Developments, asking to meet with president Ali Soufan in order to discuss his plans for the building's future.

 “I’m disappointed. It’s all about money . . . that council would decide to sell to the highest bidder when it seems as though the city would’ve been a more appropriate owner for the building. The preservation of the building is most important, and we have no way of knowing what the future is going to be with York Developments.”

Middlesex County Couthouse is a National Historic Site, is designated under Part 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act and the exterior of the building and the scenic qualities of its landscape, are protected by an Ontario Heritage Trust conservation easement.

Sale to York Developments became official in December. York has promised to build a “very large-scale, mixed-use” development on the site, starting with 50 King St. The residential project for the site will also include some office and retail space, as well as a public component. York officials also said they’re committed to preserving the property’s historic components.