Plans to convert hall into community hub on hold

Bill EdgarLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageLDRS Stanley Civic Hall. It is a large two-storey red brick building with a set of white automatic doors. There is a canopy above the doors, and above this are large words on the side of the building that say Civic Hall. There are also two flag poles at the top of the building.LDRS
Stanley Civic Hall had fallen into a "state of disrepair", councillors were told

A civic hall venue is back on the market after plans to convert it into a multi-use community hub were shelved.

Last year, Durham County Council confirmed initial plans to convert Stanley Civic Hall to provide sports facilities, stage and screen productions and provision for local businesses and organisations to showcase events.

However the deal was pulled after a potential buyer experienced funding difficulties.

Formerly known as the Lamplight Arts Centre, the building was handed back to Durham County Council in 2023 after several years of Stanley Town Council ownership.

Councillors were previously told the building had fallen into a state of disrepair with holes in its roof, leaking water and a broken heating system, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Kevin Lough, Durham County Council's interim head of corporate buildings, said: "Stanley Civic Hall was returned to us in 2023 in a state of disrepair after the previous tenant became unable to keep up with the building's maintenance requirements."

He said the building was put on the market and an offer accepted last year, but the potential buyer was unable to progress with the sale and the building is back up for sale.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.