Readers have long been asking about what is happening to the former offices of East Dorset District Council (EDDC) at Furzehill – and now there is an answer.

Dorset Council has instructed its agents to begin marketing the buildings, which have been vacant since Local Government Reorganisation in 2019. This saw the creation of the unitary authorities of Dorset Council and BCP Council to replace the county’s former district and borough councils. As Furzehill was declared surplus to requirements by EDDC, Dorset Council inherited the empty office buildings.

Following Cabinet’s approval of the Council’s capital programme in March 2023, Furzehill was identified as a priority to sell to generate capital receipts. Capital receipts are money that councils can spend on funding other capital expenditure – such as land, buildings, and equipment – or for paying off debt. They generally cannot be used to fund services.

The Furzehill site consists of 2.73 hectares (6.76 acres), which was allocated for residential development and other alternative uses in the Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan back in 2014.

Situated around 1.5 miles from Wimborne Minster Town Centre, the surrounding area of Furzehill mostly comprises of private residential dwellings and open countryside. The site includes several buildings, including the main 19th century house known as Woodleaze, a former 19th century stable building converted into office space, and two semi-detached residential dwellings. There is garage/storage space and several modular buildings previously used for office accommodation.

The east of the site contains Woodleaze Copse, an area of ancient woodland. While it is not large enough to be considered on any Ancient Woodland Register, it is not suitable for development, as confirmed in the Local Plan Allocation. Vehicular access is provided from the main Furzehill road via a long driveway to the east, and there is ample parking onsite.

The site is for sale via informal tender, seeking best consideration. This is expected to be in the form of Subject to Planning bids, but unconditional bids will also be considered.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Assets and Property, said:

“I am pleased we are finally able to market the Furzehill site. At a time when council budgets are stretched, it is vitally important that we explore all options for our property portfolio and sell what we do not need, to get the best value for money for our residents.

“Coupled with the current demolition of the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council offices, renting our South Walks House building in Dorchester to NHS colleagues, and continuing discussions around other vacant buildings in Weymouth, Sherborne and Bridport, I hope people can see that we’re working hard to dispose of these old unused assets and help reduce further financial burden on Dorset’s Taxpayers.

“I look forward to seeing the tenders made for the Furzehill site over the coming months. It is a fantastic opportunity, and I want to thank officers in the Dorset Council Assets and Property team as well as our colleagues at Avison Young for their hard work thus far.”