Axed Ludlow Festival box office to be sold off
The box office used to sell tickets for the axed Ludlow Festival is to be sold off to clear its debts, it was revealed today.
The office, near the entrance of Ludlow Castle, is being put up for sale for £80,000. Nock Deighton Estate Agents have been instructed to sell the building by the Ludlow Festival Society Ltd.
The festival folded last month after more than 50 years with organisers blaming 'appalling wet weather' for big losses.
Enthusiasts in the town have since unveiled plans for a nine-day Ludlow Arts Festival which it is hoped will be held next summer.
Roy Coles, chairman of Ludlow Festival Society Ltd, said: "The box office is still owned by the society. It will be sold for about £80,000 to pay off the creditors who helped fund the festival."
Ian Patrick, from Nock Deighton in Ludlow, said the box office is currently 'zoned' by Shropshire Council as a retail unit but could be used for a variety of purposes with appropriate planning permission.
He said: "This is a unique single storey building which stands in a prime position on the edge of the busy market square.
"It is in one of the most prominent trading locations outside the main gates of the ancient castle and on the edge of the popular market.
"At present the building is divided into three main offices as well as an entrance hall and toilet with mains electricity, water and drainage all connected.
"The box office is on the market for offers around £80,000 freehold. It has a rateable value of £2,550. Current rates payable are £1,167.90 per annum. This is a property with huge potential."
The summer festival, which was visited by the Queen and Prince Philip in 2003, was first held in 1960 and attracted up to 15,000 visitors each year.
For further information, call Nock Deighton on (01584) 875555 or visit www.nockdeighton.co.uk
