Historic St Austell pub set for auction at a fraction of its original cost
A former Cornwall Council purchase is now listed with a £150,000-plus guide price
The General Wolfe building in St Austell, originally bought by Cornwall Council for £1 million, is now set to be auctioned with a guide price of just £150,000-plus.
Situated on Bodmin Road, the former pub was acquired by Corserv, a Cornwall Council-owned company, in 2020. The intention was to convert the historic Grade II listed property into emergency housing.
However, due to escalating refurbishment costs exceeding £2.5 million, renovations were deemed unfeasible, leaving the property vacant and prone to antisocial behaviour.
In response to concerns raised by Reform UK councillor Jack Yelland earlier in the year, Cornwall Council acknowledged the ongoing deterioration and mounting costs associated with the building's upkeep. Yelland highlighted the reduced value of the property, stating that it was essential to find a solution to prevent further decline.
Cornwall Council's Independent cabinet member for economic regeneration and investment, Cllr Tim Dwelly, admitted that acquiring the building for £1 million was a misguided decision.
Noah Law, Labour MP for St Austell, supports the auction but remains cautious due to an unresolved review of the building's listed status by Historic England. “Whilst I am hopeful the council will find a suitable buyer with a positive vision for the building, they need to prepare for all eventualities,” Law said.
According to Corserv, Historic England confirmed the property can be sold during the ongoing review, although the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport is yet to finalise the decision.
The auction, facilitated by Clive Emson, will commence at 11am on 7th May. Another nearby property, Globe Yard, is also up for sale, listed with a £75,000-plus guide price.