A former youth and sports centre which closed due to council budget cuts has been sold for more than £200,000 above its asking price.

New House in Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne, went under the hammer along with 176 lots listed by auctioneers Clive Emson.

The four-storey Victorian building has a sports hall with a basketball court, a theatre and stage, shower rooms and multiple offices.

In January 2023, the facility was one of 35 earmarked for closure, as cash-strapped owner Kent County Council looked to cut back on spending.

A table tennis club which used the building described the decision as a “monumental loss to Sittingbourne”.

In the end, the building went for £766,000.

Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert said: “This was a fabulous opportunity and we had interest from builders and developers.

“It consists of all the things you might expect from a sports centre but could now be turned into something else, as long as all necessary consents are obtainable.

"The price paid above the guide of £500,000 reflects the interest.”

Elsewhere in the county, a “quirky and unusual” mixed-use building in Queenborough High Street sold for £276,000.

The freehold guide price was around £220,000. It is now vacant and needs a total refurbishment.

Auction appraiser Jon Rimmer added: “It has an open plan ground floor which was previously a shop, with residential accommodation above.

“From the upper parts, there are views of the river and countryside and it has two moorings at the back.”

In Edenbridge High Street, a former water mill – with its original wheel still intact – went for £375,000.

The Grade II-listed property is currently used as office space but has permission to be converted into a home.

It was built in the mid-1700s and was used to mill flour until 1919, before shutting in 1968 due to a flood that fractured the pit wheel.

Chris Milne, senior auction appraiser, believed the original features and history made it a “stand-out lot”.

Buildings across Maidstone were also sold at auction, with many going for well over the asking price.

An “interesting and colourful” lot in Bank Street could become residential accommodation.

It was sold on a new 150-year lease and the guide price was around £80,000 to 90,000 – but it went for £121,000.

Along McAlpine Crescent in Loose, a two-bedroom bungalow was initially valued between £250,000 and 260,000.

However, it went well above this, reaching £323,000.

Mr Gilbert says the detached building was popular due to being a close distance to both Loose Primary School and Cornwallis Academy.

“It is considered the property may be suitable for investment or owner occupation and we had both types of bidder interested,” he explained.

“The bungalow has a conservatory at the back and outside is a garage, parking space, as well as front, side and rear gardens.”

Builders and developers were interested in a plot of land next to a kitchen and door installation company in Glebe Lane, Barming.

It has planning permission for a detached, three-bedroom house and the freehold sold for £164,000.

Other lots, including an office block in Bethersden near Ashford, went under the hammer for £130,000.

A couple of miles away, a former hairdressers on Newtown Green – previously known as Sue’s – was also sold for £238,000.

It includes a two-bedroom flat and garage. The freehold guide price was £150,000-160,000.

Finally, a three-bedroom detached cottage, which sits on a two-acre plot, went for £550,000.

The property at Copton Farm Cottages in Ashford Road, Sheldwich, was described as needing modernising with the potential to extend.

The next auction by Clive Emson finishes on Thursday, March 20, with bidding live 48 hours beforehand.

Lot entries close on Monday, February 24, with the catalogue online from Thursday, February 27.