A popular social club in the heart of Hamilton is facing an uncertain future after its landlord put the club premises up for sale.

Queen’s Club has been housed in an historical building on the corner of Cedar Avenue and Victoria Street for more than 60 years.

But last week the property was advertised for sale for $1.85 million by real estate agent Crisson & Company.

Wendy Trott, the club’s president, said that members formed a company in 1959 – Queen’s Club Inc. – to purchase the property.

But in the early 80s the club ran into financial difficulties and risked losing the property. Some members bailed the club out by forming the Queen’s Club Holding Company, giving the current members each a share in that company.

By voluntary conveyance, the holding company also assumed ownership of the building, which dates back to the mid-19th century.

But the majority of the original shareholders have since died, with most of them passing on their shares to relatives and others who have no connection with the club.

Ms Trott said: “At the time, around 1984, there were around 130 members and between five and seven of those members put the money in to form the holding company. The club was running into a hole and we owed money.

“The holding company was formed for the protection of the property and the club. Over the years some members sold their shares back to Queen’s Club Inc – we’ve acquired 23 shares – while others were passed on to relatives after their passing.

“But now, years later, the holding company wants to sell the place. That company was formed by members many years ago to stop us from losing the building and now they’re trying to sell it from under us.”

The club paid annual rents and other fees such as land taxes and building insurance to the holding company until 2014, when the rent was reduced to just $1.

But at an Annual General Meeting in December 2021, shareholders voted to sell the property.

Ms Trott added: “It has been on the market for a few months. For now we will just hold tight and see what the future holds.”

According to one member, the club could close if it is forced out of its existing home.

He said: “I don’t think another property will be feasible. Right now we pay $1 a year for rent.

“For years we paid rent and we collected all the rents and we maintained the building – we used to fix everything.

“I would say the future’s uncertain. They were supposed to be our protectors, that’s the way it was set up, but they’re not protecting us any more.”

The Royal Gazette was unable to contact representatives of the Queen’s Club Holding Company Ltd by press time.