Old Library building on Uxbridge High Street to be sold in the next few weeks

Hillingdon Council last week confirmed their planned sale of the former Uxbridge Library premises on Uxbridge High Street. 

After having failed to sell it during a twelve-month marketing period, the Council instead invited offers from interested buyers in October this year.  Five bids were received.  A decision notice published on Monday this week shows that the successful purchaser is a cash buyer currently operating a “local business nearby” and that it requires immediate relocation due to an expiring lease.

The decision report indicates that speed and financial certainty were the decisive factors in the final selection: the Council turned down a higher bid because it was “subject to planning permission”, whereas the lower bid that they’re proceeding with was a cash buyer without planning conditions on their purchase.

The chosen buyer’s ability to complete the purchase within six weeks was attractive to the council because it will mean that the funds are received within the current financial year.

Property particulars from the marketing campaign

The Council notes in its report that this sale will not only secure a capital receipt (bring in money by selling the empty library that they own and have no use for) but that it also aims to increase footfall and “vibrancy” on the High Street by bringing a new occupier into the vacant building.

The new Uxbridge Library opened in the Civic Centre building in April this year.   It is still (just) on the High Street in Uxbridge, further along the road at the Civic Centre – opposite the Millers Tap pub at the end of The Chimes shopping centre.  The library is up the steps on the left of the forecourt.

Easily missed, but look again at the photo – there is actually a copper-coloured sign above the entrance, but you need to know it’s there to be able to see it!  The more noticeable sign is the old teal-coloured one, and the lightbox totem-type sign on the stairs.

The library itself is nice and modern inside – it is very popular with students, working on their laptops and has been well attended and used every time we’ve been to see it.

A full copy of the text from the Decision Note dated 27th November and published to the Council’s website on Monday 1st December is below.  The “Chief Officer” in the document refers to Dan Kennedy, who is the Corporate Director of Residents Services (a civil servant working for the Council, not an elected councillor).

Decision

The Chief Officer agrees to:

1. Acknowledge the former Uxbridge Library premises located at High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1HD has been declared surplus to the Council’s operational requirements. Cabinet authorised this in their approval Minute dated 12 September 2024.
2. Approve the sale of the premises based on the Heads of Terms attached (see Appendix 1 – Part 2: confidential) at the agreed sales price subject to contract and survey. Upon completion, this is forecast to deliver a much-needed capital receipt within the current financial year.
3. Note, as part of the above approval Minute, Cabinet has already granted delegated authority to the Corporate Director of
   Residents Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property to make any necessary decisions required in finalising the sale of this property.
4. Note that the purchaser will be using 100% internal cash resources to fund this purchase without the need for raising any external debt finance.
5. Note they propose to exchange contracts within 4 weeks of receiving full legal documentation and complete 2 weeks thereafter
6. Note the purchaser has obtained formal Board approval to proceed with this transaction on 3 November 2025.
7. Approve the appointment of the Council’s internal Legal team to deal with all legal matters in respect of the transfer.

Reason for decision

1. Following a 12-month period of marketing, officers decided to invite interested parties to submit their best offers for the premises by 24 October 2025. This resulted in 5 competitive bids being received with the proposed purchaser offering not only the best unconditional price but also, they are cash buyers, and their offer is only subject to survey and contract.
2. The purchaser is currently occupying premises on a lease that is due to expire shortly. Therefore, they have an immediate need to relocate to more suitable premises on a long-term basis. Hence the acquisition of this building fits in well with their operational and strategic objectives.
3. Their proposed timescale (4 weeks to exchange contracts from full receipt of full legal documentation and completion 2 weeks thereafter) is attractive and provides a much-needed capital receipt in the current Financial Year.
4. An additional benefit of bringing such a user into the former library premises is that it will increase footfall along the High Street adding increased vibrancy and vitality.
5. The underbidder is a business space operator. They also made a conditional offer subject to planning/funding although this would increase uncertainty until they successfully obtain planning consent and would defer the receipt into next financial year. There were three other competitive bids received.

Alternative options considered and rejected

1. Accept the conditional offer from the business space operator that is subject to planning.
2. Reject all bids and continue to market the premises.
3. Do Nothing

Factors considered

1. The proposed Heads of Terms agreed with the proposed buyer.
2. Cabinet report dated 12 August 2024 approved by members on 12 September 2024 declaring the property surplus to operational requirements and authorising the open market disposal of the library.
3. Cabinet Approval Minute dated 12 September 2024.
4. The property has been exposed to the open market for 12 months giving potentially interested parties sufficient time to view the property and work up their best bids. This complies with the requirements of S123 of the Local Government Act when seeking best value in respect of property asset disposals.
5. Five competitive bids were received with the highest bid being an unconditional cash offer that is willing and able to complete the purchase in the quickest timescale being proposed.
6. The particular use of the highest bidder also benefits local people and contributes towards the wider place shaping of the High Street by adding increased footfall, vibrancy and vitality. This will also benefit local traders and enhance the retail environment and experience for local shoppers.

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