ONE of Daventry's most important landmark buildings remains empty with seemingly no-one interested in taking it over.
The Moot Hall, in the Market Square, has been on the market to rent since February this year but despite extensive local and national advertising, there has been no firm offer made to Daventry District Council (DDC) which owns the building.
The Mo
ot Hall has been empty since the Indian restaurant there shut down at the end of last year and is up for rent at £30,000 a year.
Simon Bowers, corporate manager of development and property at DDC, said the council took possesion of the Moot Hall in January after the restaurant closed, and after some minor work was carried out, the property went on the market in February.
“Despite receiving strong expressions of interest, we did not receive a firm offer,” Mr Bowers said.
“The property is currently licensed for restaurant use. However, it would lend itself to other uses, such as offices, subject to the appropriate planning consent.”
The Grade II listed building was built in 1796. Over the years, it has acted as the town hall and a court house.
More recently, the building was used as a home for Daventry Museum and Tourist Information Centre.
The museum and information centre was closed by DDC in April 2004 and in May 2006, the Indian restaurant opened.
Despite the lack of interest, Daventry District Council is confident that the Moot Hall will soon be occupied.
Mr Bowers said: “The property market is currently not at its most buoyant but we are confident the right occupant for the building will be found in due course.
“In the meantime, we will continue its upkeep and keep it secure to safeguard its future as an asset to Daventry.”
The Moot Hall is just one of many empty units in Daventry town centre but officials believe there is now an opportunity for other kinds of businesses to move in.
Sally Halson, working on behalf of Daventry Town Centre Partnership, said: “The High Street has been dominated by financial and property focused businesses for many years.
“The current situation provides the chance to attract other types of businesses into the street and potentially make it a more diverse and vibrant area.”
