Heritage lots head Pugh’s September auction
The disused Victoria Theatre in Salford and a Blackpool synagogue will be among 100 lots at Pugh’s next regional auction, at the AJ Bell Stadium on 6 September.
The theatre on Great Clowes Street, Salford was opened in 1900 and later served as a cinema and bingo hall before falling into disuse a decade ago. Grade two-listed, it was designed by Bertie Crewe, architect of Manchester’s Palace Theatre. The 0.3-acre site will be auctioned with a £350,000 guide price.
Also grade two-listed, the 1916-built Blackpool United Hebrew Synagogue on Leamington Road was deconsecrated and closed in 2012. Despite objections from the council due to the building’s architectural significance, planning consent was eventually granted last year to convert part of the building into five two-bedroomed flats, with car parking. The guide price is £125,000.
Paul Thompson, managing director of Pugh, said: “As a specialist in selling interesting and historic properties at auction, it is always a privilege to witness buildings that once held great community significance, as they move into a new chapter of their existence.
“We have already seen a great deal of interest in both the former synagogue and the theatre from potential buyers. In the hands of the right developers, both sites could be regenerated and continue as important regional assets.”
The full September listing can be viewed online. Established 26 years ago, Pugh is the largest auctioneer outside of London and was acquired by property consultancy Eddisons in 2016.
