Walton-on-the-Naze's former fire station set for commercial revival
Tendring District Council approves sale of unused building for commercial use
An unused building on Mill Lane in Walton-on-the-Naze could soon return to commercial use, as Tendring District Council (TDC) moves forward with plans to sell the vacant property.
Originally constructed as a fire station in the early 20th century and later serving as public toilets, the building has been closed since 2017 and requires extensive refurbishment.
The council has approved the property's freehold disposal, allowing its proposed sale to a local resident who plans to open a computer repair and maintenance business.
Councillor Peter Kotz, TDC’s Portfolio Holder for Assets and Community Safety, expressed satisfaction with the decision to move forward with the sale: “We are pleased to have taken a decision that allows the proposed sale of a Walton building that has stood empty for almost nine years to move forward."
“After several attempts to find a viable occupier, the proposed sale would provide an opportunity for the building to be refurbished and brought back into use, while removing an ongoing maintenance liability and achieving market value for taxpayers.”
The council had previously paused demolition plans for the building after resident concerns and a 2018 petition prompted further consideration for alternative uses.
Despite several failed attempts to secure a tenant, a tender process earlier this year invited both leasehold and freehold proposals.
Following negotiations with the prospective buyer, an agreement in principle has been reached at market value, with the sale subject to standard legal processes.