The Old Police Station - Intention to Sell
The Old Police Station at 104-108 Station Road, Ashington has been officially listed as an Asset of Community Value after being nominated by Repurposeful CIC. The owner has now given notice (received 16th May 2025) that they intend to sell the property.
The Legal Timeline: Under Section 95(2) of the Localism Act 2011, there are specific time periods that must be followed:
- Interim Moratorium (6 weeks): Until 27th June 2025
- During this period, the owner cannot sell the building to anyone
- Community groups can express interest to be treated as potential bidders
- Full Moratorium (6 months): If a community group expresses interest, this extends until 16th November 2025
- The owner still cannot sell except to a qualifying community group
- This gives the community time to organise funding and prepare a bid
- Protected Period: Continues until 16th November 2026
- Additional protections remain in place
Who Can Bid: Only specific types of community organisations can express interest:
- Charities
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Non-profit companies limited by guarantee
- Co-operative or Community Benefit Societies
The group must also have a "local connection" to the area.
In simple terms, this is a "pause button" on the sale. The community gets first chance to buy the old police station before any private developers or businesses can purchase it. If a local community group steps forward by 27th June, they get until November to try to raise funds and make an offer. If no one comes forward, or if they can't agree on a price by November, then the building can be sold to anyone for the following 12 months.
This system is designed to help communities preserve buildings that are important to local life and prevent them from being lost to development or private ownership that might not serve the community's interests.
To express interest community groups should contact:
Iain Hedley
Economic Growth & Regeneration Team
Northumberland County Council
County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF
Email: communityrighttobid@northumberland.gov.uk
Deadline for expressions of interest: 27th June 2025
