Hadleigh’s Corn Exchange could be yours for £375,000

Hadleigh Corn Exchange has been put up for sale on the open market after the town council decided not buy landmark the building.

Fenn Wright is looking for offers in the region of £375,000 for the Grade II listed property in Market Place.

The building was put up for sale in April by Suffolk County Council, just a month after the Brett River Children’s Centre, which was based in the building, was closed by the county council.

Hadleigh Town Council had considered buying the building and had asked for ideas on what it could be used for.

But at a meeting in October the council supported its finance committee’s unanimous decision not to go ahead with the idea, saying it would not be financially viable.

The Corn Exchange dates back to 1813, and underwent a full restoration in 1895.

Previously owned by the Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity, the building was sold in the 1970s and is currently owned by Suffolk County Council.

Concertus Design and Property Consultants is handling the disposal of the property on behalf of the council.

Most recently, the premises were used as a children’s centre although the authorised use remains as offices.

The council had the building listed as an asset of community value in 2014, and still hopes the building can be kept for community use, but deemed it too expensive for purchase.

It had held two open days to allow residents and interested parties to see what could be done with the building, with two proposed ideas brought forward.

The council had supported both ideas in principle, alongside any potential bid, and has said that it will continue to support both proposals.

The interior of the building is over two floors, currently divided by stud partitioning to create a series of rooms on both levels.

The building, which requires extensive roof repairs, has a hall in the middle with six offices around the side.

On the ground floor there are also toilets and two kitchens.

In total there is a gross internal area of 5,285 sq ft.

Another concern with the building has been the lack of car parking.

Alistair Mitchell from Fenn Wright said: “This is an interesting building with a great deal of potential, combining an attractive and historic exterior with a much more modern and flexible interior, capable of being adapted to suit a variety of alternative business, leisure, recreational or social uses.”

Full details on the building are available from Fenn Wright by calling 01473 232701 or emailing agm@fennwright.co.uk.