A LISTED historic building, which was once Malvern's first hospital, has been put up for sale.

Redwood House, in Hospital Bank, was opened in 1868 as Malvern Rural Hospital, and was in use until 1911, when the current hospital in Lansdowne Close was built.

It was taken over by Malvern Boys' Club and subsequently the county youth service, but it has lain empty for many years.

Worcestershire County Council, acting as trustees for the Boys' Club, has instructed estate agents John Goodwin to sell it.

The building, which is now semi-derelict, was listed last year following concerns about its future.

An attempt by the county council to have it de-listed, to increase its market value, was unsuccessful.

The county council, after consultation with the Charity Commission, has agreed that proceeds from the sale should be used to benefit the young people of Malvern.

The property is being sold by informal tender with a closing date for proposals of Friday, November 2.

Malvern Hills district councillor Richard Man-ning, who was in the forefront of moves to preserve the building, said he was pleased with the outcome.

"It shows that the county council has accepted that the building is listed, and has decided to sell it as a listed building.

"It would have been a great pity if it had been delisted, allowing a developer to demolish it. Now, because it is listed, any moves to develop it have to be subject to public scrutiny."

The hospital was originally built by public subscription following a horrific accident involving sulphuric acid in Church Street in 1868, in which two children died.

According to the agent's details, the site offers "an excellent development opportunity" with the 3,976 square-foot building standing in about half an acre.