A former adult training centre in Margate has been sold at auction by Thanet council for £650k plus fees.
The site on the north side of Tivoli Brooks has been officially vacant since October 2018 but was unused prior to that. It contains a derelict single-storey former adult education building within a surrounding site of around 1.66 acres.
It was among 177 lots listed for sale by Clive Emson, the land and property auctioneers.
Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert said: “A single storey detached building occupies the main section of the site, which is located on the north side of Tivoli Brooks off Tivoli Road.
“The main plot is opposite residential dwellings in Tivoli Road in a micro-commercial location adjacent to Howdens and Jewsons.
“The former training centre was offered with vacant possession and the sale incorporates the freehold of the road (Tivoli Brooks) – which others have a right to pass to and re-pass – and an area of land between Howdens and Tivoli Road.
“The site may be suitable for various redevelopment uses, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.”
Last September Thanet council approved the disposal of the site which had been surrendered to it by Kent County Council (KCC) on 6 October 2018. Prior to its surrender, the site had ceased operations many years earlier.
Following acceptance of its surrender from KCC, the council managed the property and secured it via installing hoarding to limit unlawful entry.
But, a previous report to councillors, said: “There have been numerous breaches of security and reports of anti-social behaviour, posing a continuous and serious financial and reputational risk to the council.
“The site also presents a high level of corporate risk due to the condition of the building. The property was constructed using asbestos-based material and therefore, unlawful entry may result in serious harm.”
TDC said it had a number of cost burdens with the Tivoli Road site including:
- Security costs £8,472
- Annual standing charge for utilities supply £530
- Cumulative insurance costs £1,000+
- Council waste team incurring unquantifiable costs to clear fly tipping on site
The council agreed it would be sold with the employment use covenant retained.
Thanet council needs to make £1.25m from asset disposals each financial year to be used for capital investment.
NO DOUBT THE SITE WOULD MAKE WAY FOR FLATS AND HOUSES AS ALWAYS IN THANET.
At least anyone occupying the potential residential properties will have a great view of the railway, especially on the upper floors of the block. I myself would love to live close to a railway (but this is one of my hobbies ie transport), my family would absolutely refused to move in. As a child I loved walking under the bridge next to the site.
can people NOT READ? unused and abandoned for almost a decade and still stupid comments like ‘oh will go for houses and flats’. well yes.
That’s the site where Mencap were based in 1980s. I know because I did voluntary work there as I was considering a career as an Educ Psychologist after abandoning my original goal of Family Law. The staff were wonderful and the young adolescent men were a delight.