A rare opportunity has emerged in Birmingham to acquire a former youth offending centre, with the property now listed for sale with offers above £250,000. The Halescroft Youth Offending Centre, located in Halescroft Square, Northfield, closed its doors in February 2024 and is being sold on behalf of Birmingham City Council.
Property Details and Location
The freehold site comprises a single-storey building alongside a detached two-storey structure, set back from the roadway behind a forecourt. The principal building features a hall, storage cupboard, assembly hall with office and kitchen, plus a rear lobby with offices and WC. The house includes an interview room, common room, hall, kitchen and store, with four offices and meeting rooms on the first floor. An external garage is also located on the premises.
The site became surplus to requirements when Birmingham Youth Justice Service relocated to new premises on Wake Green Road in Moseley. The property is now being offered through Bond Wolfe's September auction, with a guide price of £250,000+.
Repurposing Potential
Gurpreet Bassi, chief executive of Bond Wolfe, highlighted the site's potential: "This is a site in a residential area in Northfield that is now available to be repurposed for a variety of uses, subject to planning permission."
Bassi added: "Northfield is an area that provides easy access to Birmingham city centre and yet has the north Worcestershire countryside on its doorstep, and we believe this will appeal to developers and investors with an eye on the site's potential."
Auction Details
The site is among several lots being sold on behalf of Birmingham City Council through Bond Wolfe's regular auctions. The forthcoming auction gets under way at 8.30am on Thursday 10 September and will be broadcast live through Bond Wolfe's website, with bidders able to participate remotely via proxy, telephone or online.
This sale presents a unique chance for developers and investors to acquire a substantial property in a residential area, with easy access to the city centre and the Worcestershire countryside. The property's previous use as a youth offending centre means it is already equipped with offices, meeting rooms, and an assembly hall, making it adaptable for various commercial or community purposes, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions.
Market Context
The Halescroft Youth Offending Centre is one of several properties being divested by Birmingham City Council as part of its ongoing asset management strategy. The council has been reviewing its property portfolio to identify surplus assets that can be sold to generate revenue or be repurposed for alternative uses. This sale reflects a broader trend of public sector organisations releasing underutilised buildings to the market.
Interested parties are advised to review the full details and legal pack provided by Bond Wolfe ahead of the auction. The live broadcast allows bidders from across the UK to participate, ensuring a competitive bidding process. With a guide price of £250,000, the property offers a relatively accessible entry point for those looking to invest in Birmingham's commercial property market.
