The historic Grade II-listed hall, which dates back to 1777 and is the former home of the Scott family, has been put on the market for £2.2 million by current owners Manor Building Preservation Trust.
According to Olney-based estate agent Van Weenen’s online brochure, the hall comes with 50 acres of parkland – and there’s an additional opportunity to purchase a further 100 acres of listed Grade II parkland by separate negotiation.
“The hall being up for sale really is too good an opportunity to turn down,” Bob Winkle, secretary of Beacon Action Group, told the Observer this week.
“If only there was a will from the three local authorities [Birmingham, Walsall and Sandwell], something could be done and the hall and the land could be put back to what the public want from them.
“I think the hall could be left as a relic as it were, but the land that is nearby – that is what we are all interested in.
“I think it should be put back to the best use for it – parkland or farmland,” he added.
“I hope, with the hall for sale, the right moves can be made and the right owners found.
“I know that in a time of economic downturn, and with money being tight, it might not happen.
“But the authorities should not miss what would be a fantastic chance to give something back to the local community.”
Mr Winkle added: “The last thing we want is a lot more development taking place on that site.”
Local historian Peter Allen, a member of the Great Barr Hall Action Committee, said he was worried about the future of the site.
“It was inevitable really that it would come to this – but that does not stop me worrying,” he said.
“I think there are a lot of questions that need answering.”
Manor Building Preservation Trust, headed by Cyril Smith and his son Matthew, have been in custody of the hall and its associated land for the last eight years, after initial plans of restoring the property back to its former glory.
However, no work has ever been carried out at the site, which is rapidly falling into a state of disrepair.
According to Van Weenen’s online brief: “The hall offers scope to be increased or reduced in size, and subject to consent, lends itself readily as a boutique hotel, nursing home or company headquarters.”
It adds: “There may also be further scope for a bespoke residential development of one or two properties in their own prescribed lakeside position. We are favoured with instructions by way of special dispensation from the trustees to find a suitable custodian to safeguard this magnificent estate.”
At the time of going to press the Great Barr Observer was unable to contact Manor Building Preservation Trust or its chairman Cyril Smith.
Van Weenen estate agents can be contacted on 01234 714003.