Council fails to sell historic 18th century mill at controversial auction

Liam Randall, local democracy reporter 

A historic corn mill which was controversially put up for auction has failed to sell after bidding fell £1,000 short of the guide price.

The King’s Mill in Wrexham, which dates back to the 18th century, went under the hammer online today (Wednesday, 24 March) as owners Wrexham Council said they no longer had use for it.

The move came despite a community group previously offering to buy £10,000 the mill to turn it into a community hub and more than 1,700 people signing a petition to halt the sale.

However, bidders failed to meet the £165,000 guide price during this morning’s auction, with the highest amount tabled standing at £164,000.

The Landwood Property Auctions website shows there were a total of 15 bids made by four separate parties.

Gifted to the local authority by former Erddig estate owner Philip Yorke, the property is subject to a covenant which states it must only be used as a public amenity for culture and heritage purposes.

The mill was last used as a visitor centre during the 1990s but has stood empty since 2012.

Hopes had been raised that auctioning it would allow it to be preserved, with the Manchester-based auctioneers describing the site has having “development potential subject to planning”.

The council has yet to confirm what will happen with the building next.