A troubled Royal British Legion club has gone up for sale after the armed forces charity announced its intention to “dispose” of the site.
Flackwell Heath British Legion in Common Road had its RBL club license withdrawn back in September last year to “protect the name of the Royal British Legion” and has remained empty and boarded up ever since.
Now the building has gone up for sale with offers over £500,000 being invited.
Agents Vail Williams Reading are accepting “best bids” up until midday on Friday, November 19.
In the listing on RightMove, the 5,507 sq ft building is described as being a “potential redevelopment opportunity” that is in a “good catchment for both primary and outstanding secondary local schools”, which seems to suggest developers might want it for new homes.
It currently has 20 car parking spaces. Photos from within the premises show tables and chairs, a stage and even a dartboard remain inside, while beer glasses, soft drinks and Pepsi cans can still be seen in the bar.
The Royal British Legion placed a public notice in the Bucks Free Press last week outlining its intention to dispose of charity land.
It reads: “The Royal British Legion gives notice that it proposes to dispose of the former Royal British Legion Club, Common Road, Flackwell Heath, held by it as trustee.
“It is proposed that the disposal will be by way of a freehold sale and that the property will be sold by private treaty.”
The club shared news of its closure “with immediate effect” on September 29, 2020, alongside a photo of a letter the chairman of the club had received from the charity.
The letter said the Flackwell Heath club “no longer has authority to use the name of The Royal British Legion” in its title and that they could not appeal the decision because it had been made “in the interests of the charitable body” and to “protect the name of the Royal British Legion”.
It also ordered them to remove all RBL club signs and notices “with immediate effect” and get legal advice on winding up the business – but it is still not clear what prompted the move.
Up until the closure, the club had still been welcoming visitors, holding events for members and non-members, like marking VJ Day on August 15.
You can view the full listing at – www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/113959496
What would you like to see the site become? Email stephanie.wareham@newsquest.co.uk with your ideas or comment below.
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