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15
Aug
Historic Harrogate church goes on the market
A Harrogate church with potential to be converted into flats and offices is to be auctioned next month.
St Mary's Church was built in 1916 by Sir Walter Tapper between Harlow Terrace and West Cliffe Grove, just off Cold Bath Road.
The grade II property is listed by Harrogate estate agent Feather Smailes Scales with a guide price of £550,000.
The gothic disused church will go under the hammer in an online auction on September 17.
The freehold property comes with planning approval and listed building consent for conversion to offices and flats, as well as 13 car parking spaces.
The interior of St Mary's Church. Image: FSS
A previous application to convert the church into office space was granted by Harrogate Borough Council in 2017 but never materialised.
Shaw and Jagger Architects purchased the church in 2018 and intended turn part of the church into offices. The plans were approved in 2020 but building work did not start.
The FSS listing describes the sale as “a rare opportunity to acquire an impressive detached church".
Richard Smailes, FSS partner and auctioneer said:
The property is on the market because the owner got planning approved to developed and wanted to see if there is an appetite for it.
As with any auction anyone can bid or attend, if the property reaches its reserve it will be sold on the day.
Mr Smailes predicted “a developer of sorts” will take on the project. He suggested it may be bought by:
Someone who wants it for their own occupation, a company could have a real stand out office, it would be an unusual building to operate from and the residential side could be used to rent out or for staff.
He acknowledged the church was an unusual listing for the property firm:
We don’t sell many churches, but there are other examples of churches being developed in the area like St Luke’s Church just off King’s Road. We don’t see many churches but it could be a great opportunity for somebody.
The listing is available to view here.
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