Houston Village Hall could be declared a “surplus asset” and sold on the open market by Renfrewshire Council.
The two-storey traditional sandstone building from the late 19th century, which has a small extension, in Main Street is unoccupied.
That’s according to a report, which will be put before the infrastructure, land and environment policy board for consideration today.
Elected members will be asked to deem the building surplus to requirements and authorise Alasdair Morrison, the local authority’s head of economy and development, to advertise it for sale.
The property has a main hall on the upper floor and various smaller meeting rooms, as well as toilet and kitchen
facilities.
It was tenanted by the Church of Nazarene from June 2011 until April 2022, the council paper added, and sub-leased to a variety of community groups and organisations throughout that period.
Following the expiry of the head lease, the sub-tenants went on to find alternative premises – leaving the village hall unoccupied.
In 2010, a condition survey of the building found that the building required around £180,000 of investment over a 20-year period for it to remain in a good condition and fit for occupation.
The council said the level of investment needed in the property makes the prospect of a community asset transfer – where responsibility for an asset transfers from the local authority to a community group or voluntary organisation – a “difficult route” for eligible bodies.
While this was initially considered and rejected on cost grounds by one organisation, there have been no other requests.
The report added that the council does not have dedicated funds available to invest in the long-term sustainability of the village hall and is not aware of any local group or organisation that does.
Officers believe this would best be achieved by selling on the open market with an approved development brief which identifies factors that need to be considered in preparing proposals for the
site.
According to the brief, which was approved at the planning and climate change policy board in November, the building is found within Houston’s conservation area and a location of archaeological interest but is not listed.
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
