Christchurch civic offices sold to Southampton property developer Questmap Ltd

A property developer has bought the former Christchurch civic offices for nearly £2m.

The BCP Council owned site now belongs to Southampton-based Questmap, which specialises in commercial and residential properties.

Just last week, Christchurch Town Council held an extraordinary meeting to discuss a public right of way that runs across part of the site, next to Two Riversmeet leisure centre, that BCP Council had included in the sale.

But the sale has gone ahead without the town council, residents and environment groups being told what will happen to the path now.

It has been blocked off by BCP Council since the offices on Bridge Street closed in December 2021.

The three-storey office building sits on a 1.66-acre site which includes the leisure centre car park west. It is this area of land that has been at the heart of the controversy over the sale.

Reacting to news of the sale, Peter Fenning, a conservation officer with Little Avon Nature Area who established the right of way over 20 years ago, claimed the public right of way can also be used by Bournemouth Water vehicles.

“I am not sure BCP Council was aware of what rights of way existed at this site when they put the offices up for sale,” he said.

“I have come across a document which appears to give Bournemouth Water rights of way for vehicles, tractors and equipment to undertake dredging at a mooring strip they own.

“We had hoped that all the rights of way issues would have been settled before the sale went through. We are now just waiting to see what the developer intends to do.”

Alex Davies, Director at CBRE Southampton, said: “This waterfront site is an exciting opportunity in the heart of Christchurch. As such, the competitive bidding process attracted several reputable bidders, highlighting the site’s attractive prospects.

“CBRE has worked with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council for a number of years, and we are pleased to deliver this strategic transaction supporting the council’s plans for the long-term benefit to the region.”

Peter Harding, managing director of Questmap, said: “Questmap are pleased to have completed the purchase of the Christchurch Civic Office building. It has been a pleasure dealing with sales agents CBRE, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and the professional teams involved on behalf of the vendor and purchaser.

“Questmap very much looks forward to bringing a regenerated building back into use and securing its long-term future.”