By Lisa Ramsden
A PROMINENT building along Newcastle seafront, Glenada Holiday and Conference Centre, has been sold.
Placed on the market last autumn, news of the venue’s sale was confirmed at the start of the week.
Simon Brien, the agent handling the South Promenade property’s sale, had been accepting offers over £975,000.
The closing date for bids, for what they said was ‘a redevelopment opportunity in the heart of the Mournes’ and one which offered ‘a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial coastal property with exceptional potential’, was noon on 15 January.
When placed on the open market, at the start of November, its then owners – Glenada YWCA/YMCA Ltd., noted that for more than a century, the centre had provided guest accommodation and conference facilities.
In a statement issued at the time, the Glenada Board’s chairperson, Lynn McKenzie, said the decision to sell the property was taken after much consideration.
Speaking on 3 November, Mrs McKenzie said the premises had “not been in regular community use for over five years.”
“The organisations involved have reflected on how best to respect Glenada’s legacy while meeting current operational and financial realities. We concluded an underutilised asset serves neither our charitable purpose, nor the needs of the Newcastle community,” she explained.
Mrs McKenzie added that the decision to sell the centre was made in consultation with the YWCA and YMCA Boards, who are the parent charities of Glenada.
She concluded: “We acknowledge that this may be a sensitive time for those who have supported and served the centre over many decades, and we wish to extend our sincere thanks to the staff, volunteers, and guests who have made this such a special place of retreat.
“We also give thanks to God for the lives that were transformed through the mission and legacy of Glenada. We hope the centre can realise its full potential under new ownership.”
As it stands, the premises includes 29 ensuite bedrooms. The original section of the property is a Victorian residence.
