A rundown and boarded up former Kent library sells at auction for nearly double its guide price

A former library in Kent has sold at auction and fetched nearly double its guide price. The Southborough library site in Tunbridge Wells is run down and boarded up, with graffiti daubed across it.

It's a grot spot in the area but that didn't stop the price soaring at a recent auction by Clive Emson Auctioneers. Kent County Council's Southborough Library relocated to the newly-built Southborough Hub in 2021, which has also created a town square for the tight-knit town, council offices, a pharmacy and flats.

Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert said: Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert said: “This was one to shout about. The former library is divided into offices, storage and staff facilities. It has car parking and consists of just one storey. This was just one strong lot in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge at this auction.”

READ MORE: Landmark Kent building with flats above is sold at auction for £200,000 more than guide price

READ MORE: Brits 'to get extra bank holiday' in 2025 to mark anniversary

As KentLive reported last month, the guide price for the lot was £350,000 plus, but the auctioneers have revealed this week, it sold for £690,000.

The site is in a prime location, next to the busy A26 London Road, which links Tunbridge Wells, St John's and Southborough before leading to Tonbridge, and on to the A21.

It's in the heart of Southborough, near schools and shops, the Yew Tree Road car park and the new library.

A check on the planning portal at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council shows no application has been made. But the site is allocated in the council's Local Plan for around 10 homes.

A planning appraisal was made by the auctioneer, which said "the premises might be converted in a number of directions if all necessary consents are obtainable".