Batchwood Hall, Batchwood Drive, St Albans, AL3 5XA

Batchwood Hall is an imposing, substantial building built in 1874 for Edmund Beckett and used as a private estate until St Albans council purchased the property in 1935. The property contains a separate clock tower, which is still operational and offers a unique feature to the property. The hall has been used as a nightclub for many years but most recently became a vaccination centre during the pandemic. It is now vacant and ready for its next chapter and following investment, it could become a stunning, flagship operation for an ambitious new operator.

The property is detached and is set over three floors, totalling over 12,000 square feet with a multitude of rooms and separate areas throughout the site. There is a terrace area to the rear of the building looking onto the 18th hole of the surrounding golf course, which would make a delightful outside space space for c.150 guests. The business would benefit from the affluent local community, visitors to the town and users of the adjacent golf course and leisure facilities.

Batchwood Hall is located at the end of Batchwood drive, approximately one mile north from the centre of the affluent commuter town of St Albans. Set in open parkland the property is accessible through the municipal Batchwood golf course, giving the hall a serene and peaceful setting for the guests to enjoy. Opposite is Batchwood Leisure Centre which draws custom from the surrounding area. A new, impressive food and beverage operation in Batchwood Hall would undoubtedly be welcomed and embraced in the town, as well as bringing this historic property back to life.

Central main entrance with reception area opens up into a large atrium with a large, impressive chandelier above. Central dance floor is surrounded by a balconied mezzanine floor with several bar servery's placed throughout, including a separate 'lounge' with a further bar.

There are customer WC's throughout. To one end is a ground floor kitchen which could be developed to provide a new central commercial kitchen as it contains many of the required services and is adjacent to the plant equipment. Space for total ground floor covers is c.150.

The first floor is surrounded by a large balcony looking down into the atrium, giving the property an open feel. It again has several bar areas including a 'VIP area' , WC's, utility room and space for c.50 guests. In addition the 'Attic Club' is another separate area with its own WC's and space for c.100 guests, ideal for private dining or events. Space on the first floor for a total of c.200 covers.

The second floor was used for office space, storage and plant equipment. The rooms are all of a good size and would make excellent letting rooms to accompany the food and beverage operation. Depending on requirements, there would be space for c.12 letting rooms.

There are also extensive below ground cellar areas providing storage.

There is space on the second floor for c.12 letting rooms, depending on the size and scope of the rooms required. One side of the building currently has 8 dormers in the roof space giving views over the surrounding grounds.

The property is set in tranquil grounds overlooking the municipal Batchwood golf course. There is an enclosed garden adjacent to the property with access from the bar areas plus further paved and lawned area to the rear. See the red line drawing for the property demise.

There is parking to the front of the building with c.50 spaces (shared with the leisure facilities) with overflow parking nearby for c.200 vehicles.

Due to its history and local significance, Batchwood Hall offers considerable scope for a new operator. It is felt that conversion to a pub restaurant with rooms would make best use of its size, character and setting, generating custom from the city itself as well as the surrounding area. There would also be trade generated from customers using the golf and leisure facilities which have a limited F&B offer. While this concept is currently favoured, the Council remains open-minded to alternative proposals for the site, provided they complement the wider estate and deliver a comparable commercial outcome.

The freehold is owned by the local council who are keen to work with the new operator to support the reopening and have flexibility on the lease terms to assist in the longer term future. This is a rare opportunity to create a special business in one of the most affluent areas of the country.

New lease with flexible terms available. It is expected that a 30 + year lease will be granted with a guide rent of £175,000 per annum.

The lease will be free of tie and on a full repairing and insuring basis. Terms are open to negotiation.

Rateable value effective from 1 April 2023 is £60,500. This is not the rates payable. Please check with the VOA for the most up-to-date information on all rating matters.

Conditional planning permission has been granted for change of use from nightclub (sui generis) to restaurant, bar, hotel, wedding and function venue (sui generis), including internal and external refurbishment. Further details can be found on the SADC planning portal ref 5/2024/0483.