Wavertree Town Hall up for auction
The 19th Century building on Wavertree High Street is up for sale for £100,000 with auction house Sutton Kersh.
The building was built in 1872 as the headquarters for the Wavertree Local Board of Health, an organisation responsible for paving, lighting, sewers and cleaning the streets.
In 1895, Wavertree was absorbed by Liverpool City Council, along with neighbouring townships West Derby and Walton. Following the takeover, the Town Hall served as centre for local rate collection and as a Registry Office. A period of disuse almost resulted in the building's demolition, but was prevented when local business man Eric Rooke refurbished it for use as a public house.
Some of the Victorian decorative features included in the original design, by local architect John Elliot Reeves, still remain. During its use as a public house and restaurant, the building was extended to the rear.
The two-storey Grade 2-listed building is situated in a conservation area near Picton Clock. The car park to the rear is accessed via Chestnut Grove. Subject to the necessary planning consents being obtained, the building is suitable for a variety of purposes.
Sutton Kersh will offer Wavertree Town Hall as lot two at its next auction on 25 May at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool One. Guided at just £100,000, the building is expected to generate a high level of interest.
James Kersh, director of auctions at Sutton Kersh, said: "This is a fantastic auction lot. It has quirky appeal, a long standing history and carries a very reasonable guide price. We have already fielded a number of enquiries and we expect to receive a lot more. It is a substantial building, occupying a prominent position on the High Street in a popular residential area. Subject to the necessary planning consents being obtained, the purchaser could refurbish it for a variety of different purposes."
