A campaign is underway to stop Cheshire East Council from auctioning off a community hall in Nantwich.
Brookfield Hall, off Shrewbridge Road, has been put up for sale by the council and is set to be auctioned on June 25th.
It is up for sale for a price of £150,000, according to a listing on Rightmove.
But residents have voiced concern over the potential loss of an asset which community groups have used for many years.
Sam James, former CEO of CVS Cheshire East, said: “It feels like a really quick turnaround and, honestly, a little rushed for the public-facing sale of a community asset.
“It feels like the only people able to move that quickly are developers looking to purchase it for residential development.
“I’m really disappointed that such an amazing space has been massively under-utilised as a community asset and could now be lost altogether to property development.
“It’s a fantastic space, and I’m trying to see whether there is any possibility of pausing the sale to explore a community asset transfer instead.
“I’ll be honest, I’m not hugely hopeful, as the timeframe is incredibly tight, but I feel I at least have to try.”
The hall was used by Nantwich Town Council for many years as they leased it from Cheshire East Council.
But in December, town councillors voted to end their lease to save funds and they said it is rarely used. The lease ended at the end of March 2026.
Cllr Arthur Moran warned back in December: “Once this lease comes to an end, Cheshire East will dispose of it, and the allotments.
“That land will be sold and developers could extend Tanners Way cul-de-sac for more housing.”
On Rightmove, the listing is described as a “potential redevelopment opportunity comprising a single storey former community centre occupying a good size plot of circa 0.28 acres (0.11 hectares) and offered with vacant possession.
“nternally the accommodation extends to approximately 191 Sq.M (2,124 Sq.Ft) detailing a number of rooms along with kitchen and W.C facilities.
“The property could be suitable for re-development or for a variety of future uses, subject to any necessary consents.
“The property is accessed off Shrewbridge Road at the sign for Brookfield Park and Brookfield House Residential Home with the subject property being situated next door to Brookfield House. Nantwich town centre is a short distance away and offers a variety of amenities and facilities.”
We have contacted Cheshire East Council for a statement.
Cheshire East need to stop this immediately!
This can be used for many things that Nantwich sorely needs.
Why can’t it be converted into a youth club in the evenings, a social club for elderly/disabled/disadvantaged or vulnerable groups?
Frankly, I’m sick and tired of more and more developers building houses that Nantwich people cannot afford, and Cheshire East providing less and less services.
They should be ashamed!