Birmingham City Council is set to offload seven of its properties at an auction next month, with lots ranging from small parcels of land to a former school for children with special educational needs. The auction, conducted by Bond Wolfe, will take place online from 8am on Thursday, September 10, and includes four areas of land, two retail shops, and the former Skilts School near Redditch.
The council's decision to sell these assets is part of an ongoing programme to dispose of surplus property, a strategy that has seen dozens of sites go under the hammer in recent years. According to Bond Wolfe, the lots are being offered with a variety of guide prices, starting at £10,000 for a plot in Moseley and rising to over £1 million for the school site.
Land Parcels in Moseley, Lozells, Sheldon, and Northfield
The first lot, a rectangular parcel of land adjacent to 259 Braceby Avenue in Moseley, extends to approximately 187 square metres (2,012 square feet). Situated on the corner of Braceby Avenue and Oakcroft Road, this freehold site comes with vacant possession and a guide price of £10,000 or more. The council notes that the site may be suitable for a variety of uses, subject to formal planning consent. Prospective buyers are advised to make their own enquiries about utility connections, though mains services are understood to be available nearby.
A larger plot in Lozells, on Terrace Road, offers approximately 0.4 acres (673 square metres) of irregular-shaped land. This freehold sale also includes vacant possession and a guide price of £150,000 or more. As with the Moseley site, the land may be developed for various purposes, subject to planning permission.
In Sheldon, a relatively rectangular parcel of land adjacent to 142a-154 Hazeldene Road is available for bids starting at £10,000. The site extends to approximately 967 square metres (10,408 square feet) and is freehold with vacant possession. No specific use is stipulated, leaving options open for potential buyers.
The fourth land lot is located in Northfield, adjacent to Lockwood Road and Sir Herbert Austin Way on Bristol Road. This irregular parcel covers approximately 1,276 square metres (13,734 square feet) and has a guide price of £20,000 or more. Like the others, it is freehold and comes with vacant possession, offering potential for redevelopment subject to planning consent.
Retail Units in Harborne
Two retail investment premises on Harborne Park Road in Harborne are also being sold. The first, at number 11, is a single-storey unit set back from the road behind a forecourt. The site area extends to approximately 42 square metres (452 square feet) and currently generates a gross income of £3,500 per annum. Bidders are being asked for offers in excess of £100,000.
The second retail unit, at number 13, is also single-storey and stands flush to the pavement. With a larger site area of approximately 109 square metres (1,173 square feet), it brings in a current gross income of £6,000 per annum. The guide price for this lot is £125,000 or more. Both properties are freehold investments, offering buyers an immediate rental return.
Former Skilts School in Beoley
The most significant lot is the former Skilts School on Gorcott Hill in Beoley, near Redditch. This property, which previously provided education and accommodation for primary-aged children with emotional, social, and behavioural difficulties, along with associated learning needs, is being offered with a guide price of £1 million or more. The building includes a site manager's house, two residential blocks, and a gym block, making it suitable for a variety of uses or redevelopment, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents.
The auction, which includes scores of private lots alongside the council's offerings, is expected to attract significant interest from developers and investors. Bond Wolfe, the auctioneers, have highlighted the diversity of the lots, from small infill plots to substantial commercial and educational properties.
Council's Asset Disposal Strategy
This sale is part of Birmingham City Council's broader strategy to generate revenue from underused assets, a move that has been underway for several years. The council has previously sold land and buildings across the city, using the proceeds to fund frontline services. According to a council spokesperson, "The disposal of surplus assets is a key part of our financial strategy, allowing us to maximise the value of our property portfolio while supporting local development."
All lots are being sold on a freehold basis, with vacant possession available upon completion, unless otherwise stated. Interested parties are encouraged to review the legal packs and arrange viewings before the auction date. The auction will be held online, with bidding opening at 8am on September 10.
