THE future of Worcester's County Furnishings is in doubt after the store's Art Deco building has been sold, with the company's director offering no assurances.

The family run business has sold the listed building to the University of Worcester and it is set to be vacated by June. Whether it continues to trade after that date is in doubt.

Susie Scholes, director of County Furnishings, in Castle Street, said: "We will be moving out of the building by June, and are working hard to carry on as usual.

"It's too soon to say where we will be going or whether we will be carrying on at this point. That's all I'm prepared to say on that matter for now."

When your Worcester News asked about the reasons behind the building's sale, which affects 21 part-time and full-time staff, it was told the matter was "private".

Susie Scholes said: "The reason behind the sale of the building is a private matter and too soon to dwell on.

"It's a difficult time for everyone at the moment, and I want to protect the interests of my staff. We've already had customers coming in and speculating as it is.

"All questions about the reasons behind the sale of the building will be answered with no comment at this time."

The exchange of contracts for the building, which was built more than 70 years ago, was announced by the university yesterday.

It will be transformed into more teaching space for students as part of the development of the university's city campus, under its capital developments programme.

When finished, the site will also be available for community use too.

Known as Austin House, the County Furnishings building was designed by London architect John C S Soutar for Lord Herbert Austin, founder of the famous Austin Motors, which later became part of British Leyland and the Rover group.

It was completed in 1939 and was used as a repair centre and showroom.

Over the years, it was used by various car companies including H A Saunders, Mann Egerton and Rover. In the 1990s, it housed Rowe Carpets of Kidderminster.

It stands on the site of the old county jail.

The refurbishment of the building will go ahead in parallel with the former headquarters of Worcester City Council’s Orchard House complex, which was purchased by the university last year.

The orchard house complex becomes available to the university from next month.

In another twist, the university has announced that it will pause the development of the University Park site, to the west of Worcester.

A joint statement from the University and its development partner Wrenbridge says: “Following the successful completion of projects to construct the St John’s Medical Centre and Sanctuary Housing’s care and assisted living village, the University of Worcester and Wrenbridge have decided to place the project on hold.

“Wrenbridge and the University of Worcester would like to jointly thank all of the consultants and partners who have contributed to the successful developments at the Park over the past four years".