Hotel in Wem up for sale less than a month after selling at auction
A hotel in Wem that recently sold in auction has been put up for sale less than a month later.
The White Horse Hotel, in High Street, sold at auction on October 17 for £75,000.
But the Grade-II listed building is now up for sale again with the same guide price.
The auction was carried out through estate agent Butters John Bee, which confirmed the building is up for sale again and there will be viewings rather than an auction for it.
The description of the building on the listing states: "A three storey former coaching Inn of brick construction under a pitched tile roof fronting High Street in the picturesque town of Wem. The property has remained vacant for some time and will require refurbishment before lending itself to a range of uses (STPP). Grade 2 listed."
Concerns have previously been raised about the poor state of the building, including from residents and Wem Town Council, which also previously spoke about acquiring the iconic building.
Wem Civic Society also raised its own concerns over the future of the White Horse Hotel earlier this year.
A spokesperson from Wem Civic Society said: "The White Horse is a historic Grade 2 listed building, prominently sited at the junction of Mill Street and the High Street in Wem. At present it is an eyesore and does considerable damage to the appearance and reputation of the town.
"The ownership is unclear. Since the late 1990s, it has been disused and is growing increasingly delipidated. In the early 2010s, Shropshire Council had to repair the roof in order to safeguard pedestrians walking along the nearby pavement.
"A number of years ago, Wem Civic Society and Wem Economic Forum suggested that Shropshire Council purchase the hotel as an investment. The upper floor could be converted into flats for rent, and the lower floor could be used as a library and for community activities.
"Shropshire Council tried and failed to find the owner of the property in order to sort matters out. At the auction in May, they were given an opportunity, but failed to match the asking price. This apparently happened again in November when the previous purchaser pulled out of the deal.
"WCS believes that the building had enormous potential which is waiting to be realised."
Full details of the listing can be found at buttersjohnbee.com/commercial-property-for-sale/restaurant-licensed-and-takeaway-for-sale-in-high-street-wem-shropshire
