Derelict council HQ deemed 'unsafe' up for sale

An unsafe former council headquarters - closed amid fears of bacteria in the water supply and unsafe concrete - has been put up for sale.

Bosses have decided to put the derelict County Hall in Worcester - previously the home of Worcestershire County Council - on the market, after surveys identified a £36m repair bill.

The building shut in June 2024 after unsafe reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found in its structure, and legionella bacteria was discovered in the water supply.

Councillor Adam Kent, the deputy leader, said the "prominent site" had "significant future potential".

A guide price for the site has not yet been made public.

The site is currently costing taxpayers more than £1m a year in security costs, electricity and business rates, with the authority anxious to dispose of the land.

There has also been concern about rats at the mothballed complex, with locals saying they had seen rodents going into people's gardens.

Council staff now work at home or alternative sites, including office space on nearby Wildwood Drive, with demolition work set to take place over the coming months so the land can be cleared for a new owner.

Estate agents Savills have been appointed to market the land and seek interest from developers or investors.

Kent added: "Selling assets that are no longer required helps us make the best use of public resources, reduces running costs and supports our ability to continue delivering essential services for residents.

"The marketing process will allow interested parties to come forward and help identify the best long-term outcome for the site."

Some councillors have been pushing for the site to become a new secondary school, or earmarked for NHS facilities, but the sale process means it is likely to end up in private hands.

The County Hall car park has been opened up to NHS staff as a temporary move to ease the pressures on Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The sale includes the former County Hall building, records office and boiler house as well as acres of land around it.

It comes at a time when the authority is battling a financial crisis, with debts mounting and local government reorganisation on pause.

Bosses have launched a budget consultation for 2027/28, with a predicted funding gap of at least £85m looming.

A public consultation runs until 31 October, with people being asked for ideas on how to save money.

Kent added: "We will have to make very difficult decisions this year - that's why this consultation matters so much."

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