West Dorset District Council has appointed leading independent property adviser GVA to bring its Stratton House campus in Dorchester to market.
Situated in the centre of historic Dorchester, the sale of the district council’s offices will facilitate its move to a smaller home in December 2012.
James Petherick, of GVA’s Bristol office says, “Dorchester is a particularly vibrant town. The sale of the council offices, to either a single developer or consortium will bring opportunities for mixed use conversions and sympathetic redevelopment to add to the continued vitality of the town.”
The site comprises approximately 50,000 sq ft of office accommodation situated on 1.6 acres. The Stratton House campus is made up of a variety of buildings amongst which is Stratton House, formerly two large houses and part of an impressive façade of buildings. Glyde Path House, The Old School House, 17 and 17a Colliton Street, and a row of attractive former cottages are also included. The majority of the buildings are listed, but have potential for sympathetic extension, subject to planning.
Leader of West Dorset District Council, Robert Gould says, “The sale of these properties is part of our agreed strategy to relocate to smaller offices in Charles Street later this year, so generating best return on our investment, and best value for the town. This is a wonderful opportunity for a sensitive development to bring a new lease of life to this area of Dorchester.”
James Petherick continues, “With conversion and redevelopment of the existing buildings, the Stratton House campus would suit a variety of uses, which may include office, leisure, retail, tourism and residential. West Dorset District Council is committed to its move later this year, and as such is releasing these impressive properties onto the market.”
The historic market town of Dorchester is home to the recent mixed use developments at Brewery Square and Charles Street, as well as the Duchy of Cornwall’s acclaimed Poundbury.
The property is being offered for sale by way of informal tender, with offers invited on any one, or all, of the four lots.
