10/08/2026
This is a community asset.
The council are saying it is not.
They are saying that community organisations can bid at auction, but there's no priority being put in place for them 😒
This is being sold at auction soon. They have quoted: "the intention is to not restrict the market" i.e they want as much money as possible from the sale.
This could have designated an Asset of Community Value. Then community organisations could have put together a plan for the building. It would not be sold. It would remain a community asset.
There is a legal process to get this put on the ACV list as an asset of community value - it's very time-limited after the community finds out about it.
If this hurdle is overcome, then there is 12 months to put together a business case to take over the building - a community Asset Transfer (CAT).
I know a community that mounted a phenomenal campaign in Solihull to do such a thing.
Get in touch for more information.
The former Young Offenders Centre on Halescroft Square is going up for auction in September. I wonder what the future holds for the building and how it might affect residents living nearby.
The auction particulars specifically say the property could potentially be used for educational, community or residential purposes, but any change of use would require the appropriate planning consent.
