With the state of some old, now derelict buildings causing real concern for many of Thorne’s residents, there is news that the Grade II listed former council offices on Ellison Street have been sold to Yorkare Ltd, who have plans to turn the historic building into a “state-of-the-art” care home for the elderly.
DMBC cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Cllr Joe Blackham said: “We are looking to sell this Grade II Listed building to Yorkare Ltd who provided detailed plans of how they will invest a substantial sum to transform it into a new, state-of-the-art care home. This will provide new care places in the Thorne area once complete and rates will be paid to the council.”
“This sale will see the council dispose of a building that has become a liability in terms of its maintenance and will see Thorne Hall restored to its former glory and put back into use.”
“It will also be good for the community, creating around 65 – 70 jobs, bringing employment to the area”
Independent Thorne Ward Councillor, Martin Williams said about the sale: “I’ve been battling away for at least 5 years to get this building back into use. I’m absolutely delighted and it’s another tick in the box for bringing old buildings in Thorne back to use. It’s good news for Thorne”. “I am hoping for some more good news in the very near future on 1-2 market place”
Thorne Hall, built in 1818 as a family residence, has been left empty and unused since its closure by the local authority over 4 years ago. The deteriorating building had fallen into disrepair and has been subjected to vandalism, as photographs recently published on the Internet showed.
The building had been proposed for sale by auction in the past, but, after failing to meet it’s reserve price, it remained unsold. With the current sale of the building still to be finalised, it is not known at this time what price that will fetch. It is then expected a planning application for the care home will be submitted to Doncaster Council.
