AN HISTORIC house in Wellington is to be sold off to developers by cash-strapped Telford & Wrekin Council in the hope of netting £600,000.
Edgbaston House looks likely to be put on the market in early April along with the former library next door in Walker Street – sparking calls for the building to remain in the hands of the public.
Telford & Wrekin Council hopes developers will come along with a sympathetic scheme, despite English Heritage currently looking at whether the site should be listed.
The move has alarmed Shropshire historian Allan Frost who says Edgbaston House, which has been empty for two years, should remain in council hands and be used as a public building.
The council wants to sell the properties to help off-set the cost of the new Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre, which is currently being built.
Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for borough town development & policy, said: “The council is preparing to start marketing the property together with the former library, and will be inviting interest from developers for a sympathetic scheme that will complement the history of the existing buildings as well as the new leisure centre and offices.
“We expect a positive response from developers given the significant investment that the council has made in the area.”
Museum
He said the council had been speaking to local historical groups for more than two years who were interested in taking on part of the building as a visitor centre and museum.
“They are exploring the possibilities of grants and the council has invited them to submit a business case.”
However Mr Frost said he was very disappointed with the decision to sell Edgbaston House, which had been a solicitors for decades.
He said the building should remain in public ownership.
“Of all the buildings in Wellington that is the one that the council should take on board as an asset,” said Mr Frost.
“Such an important building should be put over to community use.
“As for the library I do not have a problem with that. There is scope for a more imaginative use for the library building.”
English Heritage is now in talks over whether Edgbaston House should be listed.
A spokesman for the group said: “We are at the point of consultation, which takes approximately three weeks.
“Following that, our final report will be produced and will then sent to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for a decision.”