Scarborough Borough Council looks to sell former Filey conference hall

Scarborough Borough Council is looking to sell a former conference hall in the town of Filey.

Author: Local Democracy Reporter, Carl GavaghanPublished 4th Feb 2021

Scarborough Borough Council is looking to sell a former conference hall in the town of Filey.

The authority has today agreed to advertise the freehold of the Old Conference Hall and some associated land which overlooks Filey Bay.

Cabinet member Cllr Liz Colling has approved in principle the marketing of the site, which is likely to become a residential development.

A report prepared for Cllr Colling said that that building had fallen into disrepair.

It stated:

“The building is currently boarded up and in poor condition. It is a draw for antisocial behaviour and a source of local complaint for many years, yet it is a potentially valuable asset and a redevelopment opportunity that can be brought back to beneficial use.

“The building was most recently let to the Scouts Association Trust, whose lease expired in April 2020. They are no longer in occupation and do not require the facility, which is vacant and unfit for occupation without extensive refurbishment, which is unlikely to be economic for a community use.”

The sale price of the land will depend on the outcome of any planning application, the report adds.

In March 2016, the building was listed as an Asset of Community Value. As such, if a community group wishes to be treated as a potential bidder they must give notice to the council within a six week moratorium period.

If such a notice is received then this triggers a further six month moratorium whereby the group can develop a scheme and put forward an offer.

The council is still able to market the site during this period and are under no obligation to accept any bid from a community group.

Filey’s three ward councillors all back the marketing of the site, according to the council report added.

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