The former Spalding Magistrates’ Court will not be transferred to the charity wanting it for community use.
The eight trustee members of Spalding Court House Charity were told on Monday (August 1) that their bid for the Sessions House had been unsuccessful and the Ministry of Justice had decided to proceed with an alternative offer.
Chairman of the trustees, Terry Moore, said: “This is sad news for us all, as I think we could have achieved some amazing things with this building/project.”
The charity’s mission status was to “provide a sustainable community hub that will strengthen and enhance the lives of the people of South Holland”.
Community and voluntary groups would have been invited to use the premises and the charity had planned to preserve the main courtroom as a museum and for educational purposes.
The Grade II listed building in Sheep Market was put on the market last January for £275,000, but later offers were invited. The sale created a lot of interest from potential buyers and final sealed bids were invited in May.
It is not yet known who has bought the property or for what purpose.