Birmingham City Council, facing financial pressures, successfully raised £2.37 million through a series of swift property auctions held just before Christmas. The auction, conducted by Bond Wolfe on December 10, featured six lots that attracted significant buyer interest.
Among the most notable sales was a former school site measuring approximately 1.61 acres (0.65 hectares), sold for £1.25 million. This gated, cleared property was previously home to Oscott Manor School and offers versatile development potential, contingent on securing appropriate planning permissions.
Another high-value sale included a vacant former day care centre situated on about 914 square meters, fetching over £400,000. This detached single-storey brick building boasts a return frontage on Trehurst Avenue and off-road parking for around 10 vehicles. Like the school site, it holds promise for redevelopment, subject to planning approval.
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The former Birchfield Community Day Nursery at 1 Haughton Road, Handsworth, also attracted attention. Opened in 1970 by then-Lord Mayor Alderman Stanley Bleyer, the building includes multiple nursery playrooms, kitchens, an office, a reception area, and several staff and children’s facilities. Additional features such as fire doors, double glazing, a gated courtyard, playground, and off-road parking enhanced its appeal. While the guide price was £275,000, it ultimately sold for more than double that amount.
Additional properties included industrial land and premises with a freehold interest sold for £20,000, subject to a lease with approximately 88 years remaining on a 125-year term. Ground rent for this property is £100 annually with rent doubling every 25 years starting 2037.
A two-story office building, warehouse, and yard investment sold for £43,000. It remains leased for 99 years with around 61 years left, featuring a ground rent of £200 a year that doubles every 25 years.
Lastly, retail premises were sold for £30,000, also subject to a long-term lease with ground rent reviews every 25 years.
Overall, these rapid property sales provided a crucial financial boost to Birmingham City Council during a period of budgetary constraints while offering buyers opportunities with potential for redevelopment and investment in the city.