Peterlee Town Council has made the difficult decision to place Shotton Hall on the market for sale. A review of the viability of the Council retaining ownership carried out in 2023 concluded that this would not be possible without major investment, which the Council couldn’t afford. Over the past 12 months the Council has been working with the Plunkett Foundation, specialists in developing and supporting community businesses, to consult and engage with local residents to try to identify alternative community uses that would retain public ownership of the building. This process has however not come to a suitable and sustainable conclusion. The Council acknowledges that many local residents will be disappointed that the building is being put up for sale, but the Council is keen that any future use should benefit and continue to be an asset for the town and its residents.
Shotton Hall, an iconic building with deep historical and community significance, has unfortunately reached a point where significant repairs are required to maintain its structural integrity and usability. The costs associated with these necessary repairs are at a level that the Town Council can no longer sustain without compromising other essential services and obligations.
Town Clerk of Peterlee Town Council, Ian Hall, commented that: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for the Council. We fully understand the sentimental value and historical importance of Shotton Hall to the residents of Peterlee. Over the past year, we have worked closely with the Plunkett Foundation, engaged with the local community, and explored all possible alternatives. Unfortunately, the financial realities we face mean that the best course of action is to test the current market to see if a viable solution can be found through a potential sale.”
The Council would like to express its gratitude to all those who participated in the consultations and steering groups, whose input has been invaluable in guiding this decision. The feedback from the community has been a crucial element of this process, reflecting the collective desire to see Shotton Hall preserved and utilised in a manner that honours its legacy.
The decision to sell Shotton Hall is not one that has been taken lightly. The Council remains committed to ensuring that any future use of the building will benefit the town and its residents. Potential buyers will be encouraged to recognise the historical significance of Shotton Hall and to consider its role within the community when proposing future developments.
Further information regarding the sale process and how interested parties can express their interest will be released in due course.