Former council offices sell for over £1.1m at auction

The property in Thorpe Road, Weeley, was up for auction with a guide price of between £650,000 and £750,000.

After more than 100 bids, it sold for £1,152,000.

The sale included the main council office building, featuring council chambers and arranged over three levels.

There is a warehouse unit to the rear and buildings, with offices and storage units flanking each side of the site.

The former Tendring Council offices were put up for auction following a decision by council bosses.

The site has been empty for some time and was costing the council around £65,000 a year in maintenance and security.

Council assets boss Peter Kotz said: “We are pleased the sale of the site has proceeded smoothly, and attracting so much more than the reserve price represents good value for money for taxpayers.

“This validates the decision taken by cabinet in July to proceed with an auction as the best way to dispose of the property.

“This approach provided a clear and transparent route to sale, will reduce ongoing costs, and has supported our commitment to financial sustainability and openness.

“I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the site.”

The identity of the bidder has not been made public.

The site is allocated for housing in the district Local Plan, although any development would be subject to planning permission.

The council had previously explored a housing-led redevelopment of the site, however negotiations were discontinued earlier this year due to delays and legal issues.