POOLE’S Civic Centre will be sold after Dorset Council accepted a £5.25 million offer from developers.

The former civic centre on Sandbanks Road closed in 2022 following the formation of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.

The council said the Grade II listed building, first built in 1932, costs it up to £228,000 a year to maintain.

It said the sale will allow “millions of pounds” to be reinvested into supporting frontline services.

Manchester-based MCR Property Group had an offer accepted this week, and BCP Council said the site would now be used for housing after MCR’s offer represented the “best return and value for residents”.

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Councillor Mike Cox, deputy leader of BCP Council, said: “This marks a really significant step forward – not just for the site itself but for Poole and our residents more widely.

“We’re committed to being ambitious for our three towns and this sale will unlock the redevelopment of a site that has been lying empty for years.

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to get this decision over the line and get on with delivering what matters most to our residents; and I look forward to seeing what the promising future holds for the site.”