The Guildhall in Weymouth has been sold by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council to well known television and Antiques expert James Braxton.
Dating from the early 19th Century, the Grade II* Listed Guildhall was built on the site of the original Melcombe Regis Town Hall and was first used as a Police Station with cells to the ground floor and a Council Chamber and Court Room on the first floor. In more recent years the property was utilised as Council Chambers for Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and as a Registrar’s Office. Extensive works were undertaken in 2000, which formed a new glazed annexe providing
offices occupied by a volunteer organisation.
The Council decided that the Guildhall was no longer suitable for their use and instructed leisure property specialists Fleurets to market the freehold on their behalf. Kevin Conibear who handled the sale received significant interest in the property, and comments:
“The Guildhall is a prominent, well known building within Weymouth town centre with significant History, and a substantial number of viewings were undertaken, resulting in a best bids scenario. We were conscious throughout the marketing of the integrity of the building and this is certainly something that the Council wish to protect.”
The new owner James Braxton equally recognises the historical importance of the site, being an auctioneer with Dreweatts Bloomsbury, part of the Stanley Gibbons group, in addition to making regular television appearances on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.
Mr Braxton comments that “The Guildhall is steeped in history, which is what initially attracted me to the building. I’m determined to preserve this, plus bring access back to The Guildhall, for both wedding venues and family holiday lets.”
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