Ormskirk’s former magistrates’ courts on market

Walker & Williams is looking to sell the 9,300 sq ft property off Derby Street, which benefits from having planning permission in place to become an aparthotel with a two-storey extension, restaurant, and bar.

The former magistrates’ court building in Ormskirk is being marketed for a guide price of £890,000 by agent Keppie Massie on Walker & Williams’ behalf. Built in the 1850s, the building is grade two-listed. Walker & Williams had acquired the building in 2019 for £576,000, according to HM Land Registry data.

Planning permission for the conversion to an aparthotel and two-storey extension was granted in 2019. The application reference is 2018/1322/FUL on West Lancashire’s planning portal.

Enabling works for the transition from courts to aparthotel is already underway – this includes the demolition of the building’s 1970s extension and the strip-out of the interiors.

If the project reaches fruition, it grow the building’s floorspace to 15,300 sq ft. The extension includes provision for 23 bedrooms, of which 11 would sit on the ground floor and three would have their own external terrace.

While plans are in place for the transition to hospitality, Keppie Massie has stated that planning consent could potentially be adjusted for the project to turn into a residential, student accommodation, or supported housing scheme.

Tim Garnett, head of commercial at Keppie Massie, described the site as “primed and ready for new ownership”.

He added: “This is an opportunity to convert and take forward an historic building at the heart of a thriving town as an aparthotel, giving it a contemporary update to the rear and bringing forward something fresh and unique to the Ormskirk hospitality landscape.”