COMMUNITY groups hoping to take charge of the dilapidated Reading Central Club were left disappointed after councillors decided to put the site on the open market.

The building has been empty for more than a decade and requires hundreds of thousands of pounds investment to bring it back to life.

Several third sector groups made bids during a closed session at the recent Policy meeting on July 17 after a section of the iconic black history mural fell off.

With the site now up for grabs to the highest bidder, Reading Borough Council (RBC) is no longer willing to cough up the £220,000 grant to whoever is willing to take it on.

Councillor Jo Lovelock, leader of RBC, explained that the bids had been rejected to give the financially-hampered council the chance to get the 'best value' from the site.

She said: "You will be aware that we are reviewing the council's financial position and considering savings. Given this ongoing financial context the committee has decided not to proceed with any of the third sector bids.

"We have instead agreed to offer this property on the open market.

"It is hoped that this approach of seeking new bids will provide the committee with a full range of bids to make a decision based on the best value."

Reading African and Caribbean Community Group made the strongest case for the site when plans were considered previously, but the group has since dissolved.

Cllr Lovelock added: "I would like to thank the groups for the time they have put into their bids and the decision we have come to has been a very difficult one.

"The process will not preclude bids from the third sector and the existing bids will remain in consideration if they so wish. Alternatively, they can submit a fresh bid.

"A small piece of render recently fell off the wall and we have asked officers to undertake an urgent survey of the mural so that bids can be made with the condition of the mural in mind."