Councillors voted 33 to 21 in favour of accepting the offer which will see the Grade-II listed building sold to MCR Property Group despite strong opposition.

The former headquarters of Poole Borough Council has been unused since 2022 and has ceased to serve as a civic centre for Poole since the creation of BCP Council in 2019.

Last week, Councillor Mark Howell criticised the cabinet and administration of malpractice and said it was not “acting in the interest” regarding the proposed offer.

The council said by selling the building it will save around £228,000 a year and millions of pounds a year will be re-invested in supporting frontline services.

An amendment brought forward by Cllr Sue Aitkenhead calling for the motion to be delayed three months lost by only four votes.

Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan said the sale was an “absolute disgrace and nothing short of public vandalism”.

“This building belongs to the people of Poole and it should remain in our hands – not some private property developer who will build flats that no-one can afford,” he added.

“BCP really lacks the ability to think outside of the box and be creative.

“We could have seen key worker housing, business hubs, community spaces and even council services run out of a council building.

“The council’s poverty of ambition is breath taking.

“A Poole Town Council would never have allowed this to happen.”

Cllr Mike Cox, Deputy Leader of BCP Council, said: “This marks a really significant step forward – not just for the site itself but for Poole and our residents more widely.

“We’re committed to being ambitious for our three towns and this sale will unlock the redevelopment of a site that has been laying empty for years.

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to get this decision over the line and get on with delivering what matters most to our residents; and I look forward to seeing what the promising future holds for the site.”