Haverhill Corn Exchange auction postponed to December

Haverhill Corn Exchange, in Withersfield Road, was due to be auctioned off by Auction House East Anglia on Wednesday with a guide price of £150,000 to £200,000. 

However, the sale of the Grade II-listed freehold property, which was last used as a community hall and was granted permission to become a restaurant or bar in 2007, was postponed to December.

Joe Mason outside Haverhill Corn Exchange (Image: Joe Mason)

Joe Mason, who represents Haverhill Cangle on Suffolk County Council, said he did not know why the sale had been delayed on Wednesday. 

"The Corn Exchange has been there since 1889 and the delay, although frustrating, will hopefully provide enough time for the right people to take on this well-loved landmark in Haverhill," he added.

The iconic building is around 2,300 sq ft with a 700 sq ft basement, and boasts a ceiling height of 30 ft. 

Inside Haverhill Corn Exchange (Image: Auction House East Anglia)

In 2017, then-St Edmundsbury Borough Council stepped in to prevent the Corn Exchange from falling into further disrepair with an urgent works notice served to the owners.

Mr Mason previously said of the property: "The Corn Exchange on Withersfield Road is an important part of Haverhill’s heritage.

"It is appalling that the previous owners have allowed the building to remain unused, have little or no meaningful work done and leave it in a derelict state for so long.

"It is high time we have someone take on this building who can restore it to its former glory.

Haverhill Corn Exchange has been postponed at auction (Image: Google maps)

"Whoever takes this on must now treat it with the care and respect it deserves, so that we can all enjoy it for many years to come," he added. 

Those interested in the building should call Auction House East Anglia on 01473 558 888 to arrange a viewing.