THE TRUSTEES of Community House say they are ‘outraged’ after finding out the property’s value was £500,000 below Redditch Borough Council’s estimation.
And they say the revelation now raises further questions about the benefits of selling it.
The council decided to sell the building on Easemore Road in July last year to make way for redevelopment, leaving organisations, including the Bromsgrove and Redditch Network (BARN) and the Gemini Dance Studio effectively homeless.
Tenants and trustees have been campaigning to stop the sale, claiming the services operating from there are integral to the community.
The council originally valued to the property at £1.2 million.
Margaret Mountford, Chair of Redditch Common Neighbourhood Trust (RCNT) said: “The council previously based their decision to sell off Community House partly on the assumption they would get £1.2million for the site.
“Their independent consultants have made it clear this is unachievable and, in fact, half-a-million pounds more than was realistic.
“This completely undermines the economic case for disposing of Community House.
“Given this new financial information we call upon Redditch Borough Council to reconsider the closure of this vital community asset.”
When the news was broken by the Standard last year, the Community House trustees claimed they were unaware the building was to be sold and were disappointed the council did not give them the opportunity to raise the funds.
Mrs Mountford added: “Thousands of people visit Community House or are supported by the charities based here every week.
“For over 30 years it has been a vibrant community space, and a vital support hub for local people.
“Community House has a well-used community hall as well as offices for a number of local charities.”
A spokesperson from Redditch Borough Council said: ““While the market has changed, the council has a duty to ensure its buildings are cost-effective.
“The repairs needed to bring Community House up to standard, especially the new Energy Efficiency requirements for council buildings by 2026, and the impact on council finances make the sale still the most appropriate cause of action.”
