Auction may bring new life to listed Lichfield Chambers

The impressive building is one of a host of significant Black Country properties going under the hammer at CPBigwood’s next sale on Thursday, December 8, in the Holte Suite at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham, starting at 11am.

Ron Darlington, CPBigwood joint head of auctions, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to offer fresh life and hope to one of Wolverhampton’s near-forgotten jewels.

“It is in an extremely prominent location and with vision and some regeneration zeal could be turned into an asset to the city for years to come.”

Lichfield Chambers, 44 Queen Square, has a guide price of just £74,000-£78,000.

The auction catalogue states: “Lying within Wolverhampton City Centre Conservation Area, the building is considered significant both architecturally and historically. Parts of the premises date back to the 16th Century and it has been added to, improved and renovated over the years.”

The property is leasehold and is being offered on a new lease for 199 years, subject to a peppercorn ground rent. Vacant possession will be given on completion.

The troubled leisure sector sees various pubs and restaurants on the market.

The recently refurbished Hollybush Inn, Main Road, Seighford, near Stafford, has a guide price of £250,000-£275,000. A traditional looking country pub, until recently it traded as a restaurant known as Spice Bazaar.

The Free Trade Inn, Wood Lane, Pelsall, is a former pub with planning permission for conversion to two houses – there is a guide price of £175,000.

Bailey’s, 24 Coronation Road, Pelsall, a freehold former private members club, may have potential for alternative use/redevelopment. The guide price is £135,000.

And 2, 3, 4 and 5 Bridge Street, Wednesbury, most recently an Indian restaurant, is available at bids in excess of £75,000.

Other intriguing properties coming up include Innisfallen House, King Street, Bilston, a former community centre, guide price £120,000; Bow Street Offices, Bilston, a former day centre/offices, guide price £75,000; a former garage at Watson Road, Wood Cross, Wolverhampton, with planning consent for two three bedroom semi detached homes, guide price £24,000-£28,000; and The Bungalow, Croft Lane, Gailey, Staffordshire, a detached bungalow and former caravan and camping site, guide price £290,000-£310,000.

School House, Churchbridge, Oldbury, an investment property with a current gross income of £25,000 a year escalating to £27,000, is a day nursery under the banner of Cheeky as Chimps Ltd – the ‘little monkeys’ are not included in the guide price of £250,000-£260,000!

And CPBigwood’s auctioneers reckon bidders will be keen to get their teeth into former dental surgery, Ryders Chambers, Springhead, Wednesbury, guide price £54,000-£58,000.