The Broadstairs Memorial Hall- home to the Sarah Thorne Theatre- and Pottery in Broadstairs has now been sold after an offer was accepted following the close of auction yesterday (December 11).
The property was being advertised with a guide price of £350,000 with vacant possession for the pottery and tenanted possession of the Memorial Hall by the Sarah Thorne Theatre Company CIC.
However, only one bid was recorded for £305k, some £45k below the guide price. It was unsold at the close of the auction but auctioneer Clive Emson then sent out emails with a chance to make an offer on the property.
A sale for an undisclosed amount has now been made.
Kent County Council, which owns the Fordoun Road site, had said the sale needed to take place because no ‘viable’ community offer has been secured. The building is surplus the KCC’s needs. It was placed on the disposal list in 2024.
KCC added that it has acted to safeguard the immediate future of the Sarah Thorne Theatre, which is based at the hall, by agreeing a five year lease allowing the Sarah Thorne Trust to remain despite the “necessary sale by auction” of the building going ahead.
A Kent County Council spokesperson said: “Kent County Council recognises the strong community interest in Broadstairs Memorial Hall and the Sarah Thorne Theatre, including support from Dame Judi Dench. When the hall was no longer required for council use, KCC had a legal duty to declare the building surplus and seek its disposal in order to protect public finances.
“An extended community interest period was undertaken, but no viable proposal came forward. Unfortunately, given the challenging financial circumstances facing KCC, and the need to prioritise the delivery of its statutory services such as social care, the property had to be listed for sale in line with council obligations.
“KCC is pleased to confirm the property was sold after the auction which was held on 11th December. We understand the future of the theatre has been secured, however KCC cannot identify the purchaser because, while contracts have now been exchanged, the sale has not yet completed.”
Brian Collins, Deputy Leader of KCC, added: “Kent County Council understands the strength of feeling around Broadstairs Memorial Hall and the Sarah Thorne Theatre and the importance of its history and cultural value to the local community.
“I understand that agreement has been reached on the sale of the property after the auction which will safeguard the theatre. This is good news for the residents of Broadstairs and I hope that the new owner will now be able to ensure that this facility can thrive.”
