Disused council office sold to housing developer
Westmorland and Furness CouncilA council building has been sold to a housing developer for an undisclosed amount.
Mansion House in Penrith, Cumbria, has been sold to Atkinson Homes by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The Grade II listed property had previously been used as offices for the local authority's predecessor Eden District Council.
Head of legal and land for the developer, Richard Thorburn, said a potential option for the building included affordable housing, but "building assessments" were needed before making plans public.
The Lib-Dem council said it would not disclose how much it was sold for, as the information was commercially sensitive.
The property had previously been on the market for several years for £1.1m, but no buyer was found.
It closed in June 2024 with the opening of Voreda House, a £8.3m council office in Penrith.
Cabinet member for finance, Councillor Andrew Jarvis, said the sale decision reflected "our commitment to making best use of council assets" ensuring that buildings no longer required could still be used.
The authority previously said it faced a £40m budget gap.
Atkinson Homes said it was committed to respecting the building's heritage.
Thorburn said: "As a local developer, we understand how important Mansion House is to the town, and we look forward to bringing forward proposals that preserve its character and deliver long term benefits for Penrith."
