FIERCE bidding broke out for the site of the old Carclaze infant school building in St Austell when it came up for auction.

The fire-damaged former school went under the auctioneer’s gavel with a freehold guide price of £50,000 to £70,000 after Cornwall Council had instructed the sale of the rundown site following a number of unsuccessful attempts to find a new use for the plot over several years.

David Henwood, an auctioneer with Clive Emson Auctioneers, had said before the auction: “This substantial site comprises a fire-damaged building and significant area of hardstanding.”

The old school had closed when the new Carclaze Community Primary School opened nearby.

At the time, there were hopes locally that the “beautiful community building” could be saved, however, Cornwall Council saw an opportunity to redevelop the site for affordable housing.

Campaigners pushed for the building to be retained and criticised the council for letting it deteriorate.

Various efforts over the years by the council to try to get the site used for affordable housing came to nothing and, in 2020, much of the disused property was wrecked by a major fire.

The recent decision to auction the plot disappointed and disheartened councillors and residents who still wanted the site to be sympathetically redeveloped with the community in mind.

In a note to potential buyers, the auctioneers stated: “The lot is subject to a covenant relating to the retention of the building facade.”

The auction saw the site sell for way over the guide price, with a bid of £262,000 securing the plot.

Mr Henwood said: “There was keen bidding amongst prospective buyers which meant this lot achieved a price significantly in excess of its guide.

“It offers a range of possibilities for potential renovation or replacement for its new owner. Clearly this could include some form of residential scheme.”