BARNSLEY Council has put Athersley Business Centre up for sale as it continues to lose money and bosses say that ‘time is of the essence’ to sell it.

The centre, based on Edwins Close, is currently up for sale at a price in excess of £395,000.

The unit consists of eight workshops and five office units, with a large car park to the front of each building.

A report, discussed by councillors, states that the decision was made due to the site losing money year-on-year.

It said: “A key recommendation highlighted in the report and approved at the property board was to progress the disposal of Athersley Business Centre given the site is operating at a year-on-year deficit.

“Following a detailed review of the financial performance of each centre it became apparent that given the level of expenditure, even if identified cost-saving measures were secured the centre is unlikely to operate to an acceptable commercial standard in respect of rent returns.

“The council have subsided the running of the centre for the last three years with annual losses increasing year on year.

“As a result, the disposal of the site is recommended generating a capital receipt, reducing operating costs and improving the council’s overall net position in respect of the business centre portfolio.”

The report confirms that the centre will either go up for auction or be sold through a private treaty.

Since 2022, the deficit year-on-year has been around £20,000 and the forecast for 2025/26 paints a similar picture.

The council has confirmed that all its tenants have been given a one-year contract for security.

The report added: “Athersley Business Centre is budgeted to run at a deficit into 2025/26, and to note if income remains static from 2024/25 this deficit is expected to reach £20,000 in 2025/26.

“The ageing site will require significant repairs and maintenance expenditure going forward, if not disposed of, the costs of which are yet to be determined.

“As the site is to be sold as a going concern, and tenants offered extensions to allow security and time to relocate, there are no expected costs to the council for transitioning tenants to new sites.

“Athersley Business Centre will only be sold if an acceptable commercial offer is surfaced, market value is not noted in the report due to commercial sensitivities.

“Given the continued year-on-year losses incurred by the council whilst holding Athersley, time is of the essence in respect of disposal, and directly links to the council’s Asset Management Strategy.”