Buyers show hall interest

Expressions of interest have been made to Newark and Sherwood District Council by people who would consider buying its Kelham Hall HQ.

The Advertiser asked for details of the expressions of interest after the period allowed for inquiries ended.

The council, however, declined to provide any at this time.

The council’s cabinet member for finance and property, Mr David Lloyd, said: “There has been interest expressed in the potential purchase of Kelham Hall.

“However, it is still early days and we are following up some of the inquiries we have had.

“Cabinet meets on December 6 to decide on a way forward, after which there may be more we can say on the matter.”

A glossy brochure was produced by the council in early June to appeal to potential national and international buyers. There was no guide price.

The council’s chief executive, Mr Andrew Muter, said at the time selling Kelham Hall was not a foregone conclusion.

Possible uses for the hall, which has become an established wedding and events venue, are as a private home, hotel or high-quality spa.

Kelham Hall is described in the brochure as having a “fairy tale feel, with a wealth of unique features.”

It is a Grade I listed building.

New owners would have to strip out decades of conversions to council use.

Anyone who sought planning permission for the hall, either before or after purchase, would have the application determined by the district council, but it is likely the application would have to be signed off by Government.

It is unlikely any application for the grounds would be agreed that would significantly detract from the hall itself.

The brochure says Kelham Hall can be transformed to become “a dazzling, beautiful and romantic Gothic treasure” just like the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras Station, now renamed St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

Both buildings were designed by Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert Scott.

Council staff occupy only about a third of Kelham Hall.