East Sussex County Council has sold its headquarters in Lewes to an international spiritual organisation.

Pelham House in St Andrew's Lane has been bought by Subud for more than £2 million to use as a conference and training venue.

The council placed it on the market earlier this year after it decided to relocate the headquarters and council chambers to County Hall in Lewes.

Oakley Commercial handled the deal and said there was considerable interest in the Grade II* listed property.

Lewes Subud Centre spokesman Harvey Peters said: "We are delighted this superb building will effectively stay in public use.

"We consider the activities and events that can be held in the building will be of great benefit to the community of Lewes.

"That said, we are aiming to attract business from both a regional and national market, which will be of significant benefit to Lewes.

"We will also be delighted to hear from businesses and individuals who have a potential interest in the use of Pelham House."

Chris Oakley said: "The purchase by the Subud Centre and its exciting plans for the property, while principally retaining it in an unaltered state, is great news for the town and Pelham House."

Pelham House was built in 1525 and was purchased by George Goring, MP for Lewes, in 1576 when he pulled down the original building and rebuilt the house from stone at a cost of £2,000.

Tuesday September 2, 2003