The home of a beloved theatre backed by Dame Judi Dench has been sold despite not securing a winning bid at auction.
Kent County Council (KCC) listed Broadstairs Memorial Hall – which holds The Sarah Thorne Theatre – as an asset for disposal, as it was no longer using the site.
This sparked a campaign – backed by Dame Judi Dench – to halt the sale and safeguard its future.
After going under the hammer yesterday, only one bid was received – £45,000 below the £350,000 guide price.
But the authority has now revealed that it sold the building after the auction to an undisclosed buyer.
A KCC spokesperson said: “KCC is pleased to confirm the property was sold after the auction, which was held on December 11.
“We understand the future of the theatre has been secured; however, KCC cannot identify the purchaser because, while contracts have now been exchanged, the sale has not yet been completed.”
KCC says it was obliged by law to take steps to sell the building because it no longer uses it, and no viable proposals were put forward by community groups.
The Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi – a patron of the theatre – said she was “horrified” by the site’s impending sale earlier this week.
“It would be a tremendous loss to the local community, and every effort should be made to secure its future,” she added.
East Thanet MP Polly Billington also pushed to keep the venue in public hands.
She has named Michael Wheatley-Ward, founder and director of the Sarah Thorne Theatre, as the new owner.
She said: “I’m delighted that Michael Wheatley-Ward is to become the new owner of the Broadstairs Memorial Hall, and want to congratulate him on securing the future of the Sarah Thorne Theatre.
“I want to thank the Michael, local Labour councillors, Dame Judi Dench, and everyone in Broadstairs who has fought hard to ensure this treasured community asset could be preserved for future generations.”
Brian Collins, deputy leader of KCC, said: “Kent County Council understands the strength of feeling around Broadstairs Memorial Hall and the Sarah Thorne Theatre and the importance of its history and cultural value to the local community.
“I understand that an agreement has been reached on the sale of the property after the auction, which will safeguard the theatre.
“This is good news for the residents of Broadstairs, and I hope that the new owner will now be able to ensure that this facility can thrive.”
