Council sells community centre to pharmacy

Walton Community Centre will be taken over by the Walton Chemist

An underused community centre has been sold and will be turned into a pharmacy.

At a Peterborough City Council cabinet meeting on Thursday, members approved plans to dispose of Walton Community Centre in Mountsteven Avenue.

The centre was part of the council's ongoing Localities Assets Review, where land and buildings owned by the council were being sold or repurposed to balance budgets.

The community centre is being bought by the adjacent local pharmacy, Walton Chemist, to expand its premises and deliver enhanced services to the community.

Members heard that the venue was previously a popular community asset, providing a space for meetings, classes and social gatherings, but usage had reduced in recent years, with services being delivered from alternative locations.

As a result, the costs of maintenance, utilities, and general upkeep have become disproportionate to the current level of community benefit provided by the building, the council said.

Councillor Mohammed Jamil, cabinet member for finance and corporate governance, said: "Whilst it's sad to see the loss of Walton Community Centre, this sale will generate a capital receipt for the council, eliminate ongoing maintenance costs, and result in improved access to primary healthcare for Walton and neighbouring residents.

"Our key aim is that the localities review results in sustainable assets that benefit our communities in the long term."

Members also heard that the transaction will be completed using cash funds as an unconditional sale, representing value for money as it aligns with independent valuation guidance and delivers both capital receipts and revenue savings.