A former police station in Somerset is up for auction, complete with its own court room, which was formerly the magistrates court, and several former jail cells
A former police station, complete with its own court room and cells, is set to go under the hammer.
The unique property – a dream for crime drama enthusiasts – will be up for sale next month. With a guide price of £550,000, you could be the new owner of this former police station in Minehead, Somerset.
The massive 17,380sq ft building, along with its 0.84 acre grounds, boasts its own court room, previously used as the magistrates court. The detached building also houses several former cells, offering a glimpse into its past life as a law enforcement hub.
Hollis Morgan, the auctioneers, describe the abandoned property as having “scope for a wide range of residential or commercial development opportunities”, making it an attractive prospect for potential buyers.
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Auctioneer Andrew Morgan MBE quipped: “‘Hello, Hello, Hello what have we here?’.
“This now somewhat stylised quote from past policeman may actually be very applicable to this gargantuan former police station and magistrates court in Minehead.
“As with all municipal style buildings this offers over 17,000 square feet of imposing and substantial brick built accommodation being offered with vacant possession.
“Developers’ minds may run wilder than the ponies on Exmoor as the residential and commercial opportunities presented by this outstanding property reveal themselves – obviously subject to obtaining any necessary consents.
“With a modest price guide of £550,000 I anticipate keen bidding from many developers who will be keen to be ‘locked into this deal at the fall of my gavel’.”
The property is set to go under the hammer in a live online auction on July 23 at 5.30pm, hosted on the Hollis Morgan auction website.
In November last year, a new, “more efficient and sustainable” police station opened in Minehead, replacing the old Townsend site, which was oversized, in need of extensive refurbishment and no longer met the needs of modern policing, the force said.
Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody added the new station reflected “a visible and accessible police presence”.
“Having local officers nearby clearly offers a real sense of safety and reassurance,” she said.
“By providing this modern space, we’re enabling the police to stay closely connected with Minehead residents, which is essential for building trust and confidence.”
The new station is located at the former Seahorse Centre, on Stephenson Road. Avon and Somerset Police purchased the building from Somerset Council and began work in May 2024.
Neighbourhood Ch Insp Rebecca Wells-Cole said: “The way our teams work and the technology we use means that this new facility is much better suited to our needs.”
She added: “I hope that this move also shows that we are committed to protecting and serving the community of Minehead for many years to come.”
The station is the new home of the Minehead inquiry office and Neighbourhood Policing Team.
There are also “touchdown desks” for response officers to work from.
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