A once thriving sports centre opened for the staff of the Bank of England and their families is to go under the hammer.

Established in 1956 the Britannia Sports and Social club, Loughton, ran successfully for almost 50 years, before being closed in 2005 due to falling numbers in staff at the printing works across the road.

In 2006 Epping Forest District Council looked to be the likely new owners, although they did not make the purchase as they said they could not justify spending such a significant amount of tax payers’ money.

Next month, the Langstone Road lot, which includes 16.3 acres of land, will be sold at a guide price of £650,000-£750,000.

The sale of the club which boasts ten five-a-side football pitches, one seven-a-side pitch, one mini soccer pitch and three full sized grass pitches will take place at the Park Lane Hotel, London, on March 19.