ONE of Stratford’s oldest residential properties is being put up for sale.
Stratford Town Trust is looking for a buyer for Mason’s Court, which is believed to date back to the 15th century.
The move is being made to safeguard the future of the historic Rother Street building which is in need of major repair and restoration work costing an estimated £1million.
The trust has considered all options and, after extensive talks with English Heritage and discussions with the Stratford Society, the board has decided to seek a buyer for the Grade II-listed structure.
Trust chairman Alan Haigh said: “This has been a very difficult decision, one the board has long-debated, but it has become clear that the level of investment required to protect and preserve Mason’s Court is far greater than the trust can afford without compromising our grants budget, in particular the support we give to the schools.
“Grant money assists so many members of our community, many of whom rely on our support. It’s a long-standing issue, one we raised at our last AGM. At least a whole year’s discretionary grants budget needs spending on this one property.”
Stratford Society chairman Dr Kevin Bond was equally keen to see the building preserved.
He said: “We recognise the importance of ensuring the building continues to be properly maintained for the future and that the resources of the town trust are limited.
“The conservation officers of the planning authority and English Heritage will be obliged to ensure that the building’s unique historical character is preserved for future generations and the sale of the building will simply transfer this obligation to the new owner.”
