Council to dispose of former St Andrews building in Shifnal

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet has today [10 June 2026] approved the disposal of the former St Andrews building in Shifnal.

The building – which returned to the council’s ownership in May 2025 after the surrender of a long-term lease held since 1972 – has been assessed as being in a poor state of repair. Limited investment in the building over many decades means it would require significant refurbishment – or demolition and rebuild – to meet modern standards.

The property has recently been considered through the Community Asset Transfer process. However, an independent condition survey commissioned by Shifnal Town Council concluded that the building is in such a poor condition that redevelopment would represent better value for money than retaining and refurbishing the existing structure.

The disposal will support the council’s wider financial and asset management objectives by reducing ongoing maintenance and liability costs, while generating a potential capital receipt and so reducing the need to borrow.

Roger Evans, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for finance, said:

“Disposing of buildings is never an easy decision but the evidence shows that bringing the building up to modern standards would require very significant investment, which simply does not represent value for money given our current financial challenges.

“The government has provided the council with Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) and as part of this agreement expects us to generate additional income from selling assets that are no longer viable to retain.

“By progressing the disposal of the St Andrews building, we can reduce ongoing costs and generate a capital receipt that helps support the council’s financial recovery, while also creating an opportunity for the site to be redeveloped in the future.”

The disposal is intended to consider the wider site potential, including the area of land to the west of the building. In the meantime, the site will continue to be managed safely while it remains in council ownership.

The timing and value of any eventual sale will depend on planning considerations and market conditions.