Former council owned buildings auctioned

An old block of public toilets in Bridgend town centre, a former care home in Maesteg and a four-storey building in Porthcawl - which used to be council offices – were sold at a recent auction for a total amount of £736k.

The former toilets in Derwen Road went for £61k – over twice the guide price - with the former 30-bed Hyfrydol care home in Maesteg being bought for £410k and the old town council offices in Victoria Avenue, Porthcawl, being sold for £265k.

The total capital receipt far surpassed our expectations with the reserve value being £453k. It is excellent news as it means we generate much-needed capital and reduce our ongoing liabilities. The receipts will help fund our capital programme which includes the 21st Century schools modernisation programme with Band B schools estimated to cost around £68m.

The sale of Hyfrydol was part of the business case for the new extra care facility in Maesteg while Porthcawl Town Council relocated to more suitable premises in the town centre last year. New toilets will be opening soon in the indoor market in a partnership between Bridgend Town Council and the market traders association, and there are also still toilets in the Bridgend Bus Station.

This is all part of our long-term asset management plan where over the past few years we have been remodelling services and selling those assets which are surplus to requirements.

Bridgend County Borough Council’s deputy leader Hywel Williams whose portfolio includes property