A historic building has gone up for sale.

Bury Council are to sell Summerseat House, which is empty.

The building used to be a Pupil Learning Centre and is a Grade II listed building.

Built in 1836 by Richard Hamer, a cotton mill owner, the large, detached house was given listed status in 1985 and has extensive grounds.

Features of the property include a symmetrical rendered front, five sash windows and a wide porch with Tuscan columns.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented a report regarding the proposed disposal of Summerseat House.

The report states that the house with associated buildings and grounds would be sold on the open market utilising the services of a property marketing agent / consultant in order to achieve best value and secure the future use of the property.

It also said the property is vacant and its condition is rapidly deteriorating due to a lack of funds for repair and maintenance plus several break-ins, thefts and acts of vandalism.

It’s noted that the mature woodland situated at the site would be protected as this is a conservation area.

A decision was made by Bury Council that Summerseat House should go up for sale.

The reasons stated are: “The sale of the property would remove the risks to the council associated with holding a vacant asset, produce a capital receipt for the council, provide ongoing council tax and / or business rate revenue, alleviate the substantial ongoing costs of holding the property and enable the conversion/redevelopment of the property and its future use.”

Other options that were considered and rejected were redevelopment of the property or retaining the house in case future council accommodation was required.

Bury Council said: “The council have recently marketed the site and will be seeking cabinet approval in due course. It’s most likely to be sold for residential uses.”

Many local residents would like to see the building be put to good use again and restored to what it once was.

Some people think it should be a hotel where the building and grounds will be restored for people to enjoy.

A cabinet meeting will be held on November 16, where a final decision will be made on the future of the house.

Read more stories below: 

​If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Alicegerrard157 or email alice.gerrard@newsquest.co.uk.