Former Yeovil adult resource centre to be sold to new buyer

The centre, which lies off the A37 Ilchester Road north of the Fiveways roundabout, was used as a day centre until the summer of 2019 and has been closed to the public ever since.

The council originally intended for the site to be redeveloped into an assisted living residential complex, concluding negotiations with an unnamed developer in June 2024 and with its executive agreeing in principle to sell off the site two months later.

The developer pulled out of the project in January 2025 and the site was put back on the open market in September 2025 at a guide price of £850,000.

The council has now agreed to move forward with selling the site to a new buyer, with the promise that their identity "will be made public at an appropriate time".

The brownfield site lies a short distance from Yeovil College, covering just over two acres and comprising a mixture of traditional brick buildings, single-storey framed buildings and a large light industrial building, which between them cover just over 2,300 sq m.

The asset is a number of properties, along with land and other assets, which the council has been seeking to sell off to balance its books, with the government allowing the proceeds to be spent on the day-to-day delivery of services (something which is not normally permitted).

David Ashton, one of the council's property officers, confirmed that the site was being sold at below its value, but this would be balanced out by delivering new educational and economic opportunities under its new ownership.

He explained in his written report: "As a result of our financial position, the council is committed to a rationalisation of its property and land portfolio, reducing holding and management costs and achieving capital receipts.

"The estimated receipt is considered to be commercially confidential to ensure that the council obtains the best market value for this and other future disposals, and to protect the confidential commercial interests of the buyers.

The former Fiveways Adult Resource Centre on the A37 Ilchester Road in Yeovil (Image: Daniel Mumby)

"The proposed disposal of this surplus asset is at an undervalue, meaning less than best consideration.

"However, the disposal is expected to deliver social and economic benefits, including apprenticeships and wider training opportunities for the local area."

Under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, the council must seek "best consideration" in the sale of any public land or assets - meaning it cannot just sell land for a scheme which is more locally popular at a lower financial return.

However, "best consideration" can include social value or the additional economic value that will come from an intended development - meaning the council can accept an offer below the market price in certain circumstances.

Mr Ashton added: "The heads of terms have been drafted for an unconditional sale, meaning completion is not dependent on the buyer obtaining planning permission to develop an education and training facility.

The former Fiveways Adult Resource Centre on the A37 Ilchester Road in Yeovil (Image: Daniel Mumby)

"Instead, the land is being sold with a restriction on use to only be used for an education and training facility with associated infrastructure.

"This enables the sale to proceed without the associated timeline of a subject to planning disposal.

"A proposed payment schedule has also been prepared, with the final deferred payment due in August 2027."