The sale of Poole Civic Centre for five point two five million pounds is set to be completed by the end of March 2026, marking a significant step in plans to redevelop the long vacant site.
The Grade II listed building has stood unused since 2022 and has not operated as a civic centre since the creation of BCP Council in 2019. Councillors voted 33 to 21 in favour of accepting the offer from Manchester based MCR Property Group, with two councillors abstaining.
An amendment to defer the decision until October was rejected by 28 votes to 24, with four abstentions. Following completion, MCR Property Group will enter discussions with Poole Charter Trustees or the Town Council regarding lease terms for the vertical slice of the building.
The council says the sale will save around £228,000 a year. Councillor Mike Cox, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, said the sale would generate vital funds to protect essential services and unlock investment for Poole. He added that the building currently costs around £20,000 a month to maintain and that managing assets efficiently is essential when they are not in use.
The car park at the site closed on 26 February, with signs and fencing now in place.
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