Sheffield Old Town Hall fails to sell at auction

Estate agents handling the sale of Sheffield's Old Town Hall say they are hopeful of receiving an offer despite the property failing to sell at auction.

The Grade II-listed building in Waingate was marketed for sale for £498,000, but Pugh Auctions said bidding fell short of the reserve price.

The former council and courthouse building, which has stood empty since 1995, was bought by a properly developer for £600,000 in 2021 but has remained untouched.

Following the online sale, a spokesperson for Pugh told the BBC there had been interest in the property and they were hopeful a post-auction offer would come in the next few weeks.

According to the Pugh Auctions website viewings are not available and the spokesperson said that is at the seller's discretion and may be due to the condition of the building.

Anyone who buys the building would also need to seek planning permission from Sheffield City Council before developing it.

In October campaigners raised concerns that the dilapidated state of the building could put city centre regenerations plans at risk.

In response councillor Janet Ridler said she was hopeful that once sold it would be capable of "fulfilling its potential as a cornerstone of a regenerated Castlegate".

Ahead of the sale she said: "This represents an exciting opportunity for the right buyer to restore and bring back into use this unique and important Grade II-listed building, which sits within the newly-designated City Centre Conservation Area."

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