Former courthouseis put up for sale

The Norman Way building administered local justice for 133 years.

But despite a campaign to save it the former magistrates’ and county court closed last year as part of government cost-cutting moves.

Now the Ministry of Justice has put the Grade II listed building and car parking area up for sale via property agents GVA.

A GVA brochure states: “The council’s conservation planning officer has suggested the court building could be suitable for various uses, subject to consideration being given to the building’s listed status.

“Given the site’s proximity to the defined centre, ‘town centre’ uses such as leisure, recreation, offices, arts, culture and tourism may be acceptable, subject to the grant of planning permission.

“Furthermore we are not aware of any adopted policies which would prohibit the conversion of the court for residential use.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “We’ve waited until now to put the building up for sale because we wanted to ensure it was marketed at the best time and in the best way to ensure a sale and best value for taxpayers.”

Historians had previously expressed hopes that artefacts connected with the courthouse could be kept in Melton.

Among these items are an old water pump outside the building.

The Ministry of Justice spokesman added: “It is a Grade

II listed building and within the conservation area.

“Any purchaser would need to oblige to obligations surrounding this status.”

l On the opposite side of Norman Way, Melton Working Men’s Club is currently being marketed by commercial property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton.

The property was due to go under the hammer last month but was snapped up before it got to auction.

It’s understood the club, which closed its doors last July, was sold for about £320,000.