The for sale signs could soon be out at landmark Lichfield building Donegal House.
Lichfield District Council confirmed that the sale of the building is being considered as part of a review of its assets.
The site between Tudor Row and Lichfield Guildhall is in a prime position on Bore Street and would have a sizeable price tag if it did go on the market.
But despite admitting that the building – which is currently home to the likes of Lichfield Arts and Visit Lichfield – was being considered for sale, they admitted no decision had yet been made.
Councillor Margaret Stanhope, Cabinet Member for Democratic and Legal Services, said on the council’s website:
“In today’s financial climate it’s important that we investigate how we can make the best use of all of our assets. At this early stage, we are simply looking at the sale of Donegal House as a possible option and absolutely no decisions have been made.”
Donegal House dates back to was 1730 when it was built for local merchant James Robinson.
It would make a lovely mosque – in keeping with the local architecture etc.
Only joking of course – but i think rather than sell it perhaps it could be leased and the asset would be retained as an income generator rather than a quick cash fix – after all – what will the council sell next time it hits a cashflow problem? eventually they will have nothing left and will have to admit to being failures.
Selling potentially income generating assets can only make the situation worse in the long term.
Its the long term that us lichfieldians need to be concerned with
if it is sellable it is leasable.
Also is ‘visit lichfield’ not essentially part of tourist infomation? which is now based in the garrick theatre?
And also ‘Lichfield Arts’ seems essentially connected with tourism and ‘Arts’.
The Garrick seems a logical place to put them – perhaps the unused conference spaces in the Garrick could be used?
‘Visit Lichfield’ and ‘Lichfield Arts’ could be hosted on touchscreen terminals in the garrick foyer – or even water proof ones outside.
I’m unaware of how ‘Visit lichfield’ and ‘Lichfield arts’ are funded – But they can’t really be bringing in the tourists can they – else the council would not have a cashflow problem and shops wouldn’t be closing here.
I’d rent it to a business that enjoys prestigious premises as part of its ‘bling factor’. And hope they can afford to pay the rent.
mm, interesting….