Stanley Former Customer Access Point, Front Street, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0SU

The Property comprises a late Victorian Grade II Listed building. It was constructed as a Town Hall with accommodation over 4 floors including the basement. A single storey extension has been provided to the rear where the Registrar’s office was formerly located. Externally there is an off street car park included in the red line area to the rear of the property with approximately 15 spaces.

Location:
The subject Property is located in Stanley Town Centre and is situated close to the A693 with road links to Newcastle, Chester le Street and Durham. There are a range of shops and services nearby.
Stanley is situated 10 miles South West of Newcastle upon Tyne and approximately North West of Durham. It is located at the intersection of the A693, A6076. The A693 links directly onto the A1 (M) some 5.5 miles away to the east of Chester-Le- Street providing good links throughout the region. The town has a resident population of approximately 31,000 and benefits from a good range of facilities and amenities.
Stanley is centred on a hilltop between Chester-le-Street (approximately 6-miles to the east) and Consett (approximately 7-miles to the west).

Accommodation:
The gross internal floor areas for the building are 917 sqm/9,867 sq.ft
The net internal floor areas for the building are 873 sq. m./9,397 sq. ft.
An indicative floor plan of the building is shown below and is available within the Information Pack.

Covenants:
The site will be sold subject to all and any existing covenants, easements, restrictions, wayleaves, rights of way, etc. affecting the site. The purchaser must satisfy themselves in relation to any covenants or other matters affecting the site.

Planning:
The L P A have advised that the enquiry site is located within designated town centre of Stanley and suggest a use class of C 1, C 2, any Class E, F 1 or F 2 would be appropriate.
Any proposals for other uses will be assessed on their own merits.
Whilst a range of new uses may be acceptable, any work to facilitate the delivery of such uses should take appropriate account of the principal architectural reasons for the Grade II listing as follows:
The robust symmetrical composition by a known architect, that conveys solidity and has a strong street presence within the town it was built to serve;
The well-detailed Edwardian Baroque design that utilises good-quality materials, and which is enlivened by pediments, entablatures, giant keys, Ionic pilasters and columns, and sunburst motifs;

The original internal plan-form is largely retained across all floors, and illustrates the hierarchy of functions and services inherent within an early-C 20 town hall, including the elegant staircase and hall, and an ornate council chamber and associated rooms to the first floor;
The original decorative plaster scheme and joinery is retained throughout the two main floors.
We would recommend that pre-application advice is sought from the Local Planning Authority by any interested parties.

Tenure:
D C C owns the freehold (title absolute) of the Property being offered for sale. It is registered with the Land Registry under title number: DU249010.
An electricity substation is located in the rear car park. The area of the substation is 70 m2 or thereabouts. This is part of wider portfolio lease agreement between D C C and Northern Power Grid (N E D L). Further details can be made available on request.

Rights of Way, Wayleaves and Easements:
The Property will be sold subject to all and any existing covenants, easements, restrictions, wayleaves, rights of way, etc. affecting the Property (whether mentioned in these particulars or not). The purchaser must satisfy themselves in relation to any covenants or other matters affecting the property.

Display Energy Certificate:
An E P C has been commissioned, it will be available to view in the Information Folder when completed.
Rateable Value
The Rateable Value (1st April 2023 to present) for the property is £19,500.

Services:
It is understood that all major services are present within or close to the edge of the site. Where relevant the Council will make infrastructure plans available. It is the responsibility of prospective purchasers to confirm the extent of the services, their availability and suitability, with the relevant utility service providers.

Local Government Act:
The purchaser should be aware that under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972,
Local Authorities are obliged to dispose of surplus property for the best price reasonably obtainable. Offers for the property are made and accepted subject to contract and until such time contracts are exchanged, prospective purchasers should note that the County Council is obliged to give consideration to any new offers which might be forthcoming and any surveys/ planning applications are undertaken at the purchasers risk.