Victoria Hall, a long-standing community landmark in Oakham, is set to be sold at a public auction following the collapse of talks regarding its future management.
The Trustees of Victoria Hall announced that the property will go under the hammer with BTG Eddisons Property Auctions on October 28. This decision comes in the wake of Oakham Town Council’s resolution in July to step away from proposals that may have secured the building's future.
For several months, trustees had collaborated with the town council on a viable operational plan. The proposal would have transitioned the management and occupation of the hall to the council, housing its staff on-site and safeguarding the building's role as a local community asset. When the council formally voted against continuing with the project in July, the trustees were forced to re-evaluate the venue's future.
Working alongside the Charity Commission, the trustees concluded that the historic hall is no longer financially viable as a standalone community venue.
The Trustees Acknowledge that the sale will bring disappointment to many residents who held personal and community ties to the venue, the trustees emphasised that the choice was unavoidable. As registered charity trustees, they carry a legal responsibility to act in the best financial interests of the charity.
Auction Date: October 28
Auctioneer: BTG Eddisons Property Auctions
Use of Funds: Proceeds from the sale will be funnelled directly into charitable purposes, to be finalised in agreement with the Charity Commission.
Anyone seeking further details regarding the auction process or the future of the charitable funds can reach out directly to trustee Joanna Burrows via email at joannamburrows@gmail.com or by phone at 07878994298.
Councillor Martin Brookes, speaking strictly in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the council, has expressed deep disappointment over the situation surrounding Victoria Hall.
The background to the current crisis dates back to a full council vote in 2025, during which Oakham Town Council resolved to relocate its offices into Victoria Hall by November 2025, allocating a specific budget for the transition. However, this plan was halted when Councillor Paul Ainsley unilaterally blocked the move, arguing that circumstances had shifted since the council's initial decision.
Over the past two years, the town council invested thousands of pounds of public funds into the property, which included the installation of a new boiler. When the council failed to move in by the November 2025 deadline, the trustees chose to close the hall, effectively cutting off nearly all of their operating income. In light of these events, critics argue that the trustees of Victoria Hall have failed in their duties and responsibilities over a number of years.
To address ongoing office accommodation needs, Oakham Town Council established a working group last month to evaluate potential new locations, which included revisiting the possibility of moving into Victoria Hall. This proposal was formally scheduled for consideration at the council meeting this Wednesday.
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham
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