Downham Market Social Club up for sale through Auction House East Anglia

A former town social club could be sold for more than £500,000 after being put up for auction.

The Downham Market Club closed its doors more than a year ago after nearly 100 years as a mainstay in the area’s social circuit. Staff put that closure down to a ban on smoking and the opening of a Wetherspoon pub in the town.

And now, the Paradise Road venue has been put up for sale through Auction House East Anglia. It stands on approximately 1.03 acres of land in the town centre.

The auctioneers have described this as a “rare opportunity” due to its “prime position”.

It adds: “The property could be suitable for a variety of uses, including the potential for residential development.”

The club itself measures roughly 534 sq/m and contains a hall, two bars, store room, toilets, office, trophy room and tea room.

Any bidders would also be fighting for ownership of its extensive front parking area and large rear garden.

An auction to sell off the social club will kick off at 11am on March 22, a guide price of between £500,000 and £600,000 being set.

This would not include additional fees.

Cassie Whisler, who worked at the club for more than 20 years, took over as its manager in early 2021 - but despite a new soft-play area opening, it “still wasn’t enough to attract visitors”.