High Wycombe’s MP, Emma Reynolds, has called the decision to sell the town’s council offices to an NHS trust a “genuinely positive” step for the town.

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHNT) has purchased the offices in Queen Victoria Road in the town centre from Buckinghamshire Council.

BHNT said it was aiming to create a neighbourhood hub at the 1.1-hectare site, which had been listed for sale for £5 million, although the price has not been disclosed.

The decision to market the offices had been met with uproar from residents and councillors in Wycombe, with some calling the decision a betrayal.

However, the announcement of the sale to the Trust has been welcomed.

Ms Reynolds said: “The NHS proposal not only aims to strengthen local services at a time when the health system urgently needs investment and repair, but it also shows a welcome commitment to preserving the key heritage features of Queen Victoria Road that matter to our local identity.

“I have committed my support to the leadership of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and will stay engaged as this sale progresses with Buckinghamshire Council..”

A protest had been held against the council’s plan to sell off the offices, and a petition was also launched.

Councillors welcomed the Trust as the buyer. Cllr Trevor Snaith, the Independent member for Marsh and Micklefield, called the decision a “good outcome.”

He said: “However, the sale of the council offices is disappointing, as the building has long been an important civic and community asset for High Wycombe.

“The council should have explored options that would have allowed the building to be retained for public benefit. Its significance to the town goes beyond practical function it is part of our civic identity.”

In a joint statement, Labour Cllrs Majid Hussian, Chris Chilton and Hazel Arthur-Hewitt said they were delighted at the news.

“Whilst we campaigned passionately to retain the building as a community asset,” they said. “This purchase is the ideal outcome.

“Not only does it protect the heritage features of QVR but it also delivers one of the first new Neighbourhood Health Hubs to the residents of High Wycombe.

“This Neighbourhood Health Hub will bring together lots of enhanced NHS services under one-roof, will improve health outcomes for High Wycombe residents and over time will contribute towards the Trust’s ambition to exit the ageing Wycombe Tower and move NHS services to safer, more suitable environments.”

Cllr Julia Wassell, the Independent member for Totteridge and Bowerdean, said she was pleased the Trust bought the offices.

Cllr Kahlil Ahmed, the Independent member for Marsh and Micklefield, has expressed concern, though.

“Residents have been consistently clear in their views,” Cllr Ahmed said. “As soon as news of the Queen Victoria Road purchase became public, many people asked why an A&E could not be reinstated either within the new hospital building or at the Queen Victoria Road site itself. Those questions remain unanswered.”

He renewed calls for an Accident and Emergency service to return to the town.

Robert Carington, the cabinet member for resources, said the sale strengthens the town’s role as a hub for public services and supports wider regeneration of the town centre.

He added: “We recognise that the future of the Queen Victoria Road site is an issue people in High Wycombe care deeply about, and that decisions of this nature will naturally prompt strong views locally.

“The sale of the site followed a robust and transparent process, in line with the council’s legal duty to secure best value for public assets.

“Elected members were engaged throughout, and the decision carefully considered the long term benefits for the town, including the impact on public services and the wider community.”