What now for Allestree Hall as wedding venue plans collapse?
THE future of derelict Allestree Hall remains a mystery after the preferred business partner stepped back from proposals to turn it into a wedding venue.
The building has stood empty for decades and now questions remain over if or when it will reopen to the public.
There had been hopes that the Grade II* listed building, which dates from the 19th-century, could be brought back to life thanks to plans from West Mill Venue Ltd, which submitted an application to transform the property and outbuildings.
Derby City Council approved its sale in September 2019, with the site set to become a new wedding venue after the company renovated the Grade I-listed West Mill in Darley Abbey.
But now it has been announced that the company has had to step back due to no longer being able to support the business case originally proposed for the site. It has now surrendered exclusivity over the site, meaning other bidders can put their hat in the ring.
It leaves questions over the future of the building, with the city councillors for Allestree – Steve Hassall, Ged Potter and Roy Webb – saying that the news “may not come as a surprise [but] is very disappointing”.
Future options for the hall include marketing the property, turning it into an education centre to compliment the rewilding, or to create a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) facility.
Cllr Hassall said: “The hall has been in a poor condition for 40 years or more and it was never going to be something that was fixed overnight. The previous proposal was a good one which got the hall back into use and back to something that aligned with its Grade II*-listed status.
“The exclusivity element has now fallen away, to my knowledge, so anything else is now up for consideration. There are some things in the offing, such as things for education or for a SEND facility, but none of it is set in stone. It’s incumbent on us that we should allow anything and everything that is up for consideration to be considered.
“Obviously, the city council has finite resources that it can use, and something that doesn’t draw on the council’s resources too heavily would be a preferred option, in my view.
“That said, nothing is off the table, so hopefully we will get some options from officers and we can progress those reasonably quickly to reach a positive conclusion.
“I just want to see the hall protected for the future. I would like to see it back to its former glory and showcased as a jewel in Derby’s crown that it is. It’s long overdue, we are all frustrated by the process and the outcome to the current process.
“But such is life, things happen and we have to adapt accordingly. But securing that building for the residents of Allestree and the city is my number one priority so it’s there as an asset that people can view, enjoy and take some pleasure from.”
Despite bidders now being welcomed, refurbishing the building will not come cheap, with costs estimated to be at least £4 million.
Historic England has previously stated that the internal condition of the building is poor, but the building is a “fair” condition overall, despite it being on the body’s Heritage at Risk Register.
The news comes as The West Mill Venue Ltd opened its second venue at Darley Abbey Mills on Sunday.
The River Mill, just a few paces from The West Mill, opened on the site of The Shed and will operate as a
new private events venue.
Chrissie Rose, director at the West Mill Venue Ltd, said that the opening of The River Mill as a second venue was the priority for the company at the present time. She added that the company would be focusing its efforts there for the foreseeable future.
A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “After lengthy negotiations, the preferred bidder for Allestree Hall is no longer proceeding with its purchase due to business pressures resulting from the Covid pandemic. The council is now reviewing options for the future of the hall.
“This could still include a sale, but will also consider use of the facility for educational or social uses to support the delivery of council services.
“Facilities to support the rewinding project on the adjoining park may also be considered. It is anticipated that the review process will be completed later in the year.”