Birmingham’s heritage set to go under the hammer

Two fine examples of Birmingham’s glorious heritage are set to go under the hammer.

It represents an opportunity to restore the greatness to Aston Council House and Pype Hayes Hall.

Both are coming before CPBigwood’s next sale on Thursday, December 8, in the Holte Suite at Aston Villa Football Club, starting at 11am.

Bigwood director Ian Tudor said: “These are two outstanding public buildings from when Birmingham was in its pomp.

“They may both have seen better days but, with vision and regeneration zeal, they could once more prove tremendous assets to the city.”

Aston Council House, Albert Road, Aston, is a substantial and imposing late

19th Century four-storey freehold office with a guide price of £195,000. Formerly used as a library and offices, it is locally Listed and consideration is currently being given to statutory Listing.

It is the second attempt to find a buyer for Pype Hayes Hall, 997 Chester Road, Erdington, which failed to sell at the last auction. A 17th Century Grade II listed building, it was last used as offices. There is a guide price of £350,000. Constructed in 1630 and known as the house of 13 Gables, a number of extensions were added in the 19th Century. A section, formerly the stables, has fallen into disrepair. It is situated in a public park and its access is via the park entrance off the Chester Road.

Moseley Road MethodistChurch, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, is more modern, dating from the 1950s. But it has been something of an icon in its community. On a site of 0.25 acres, it is thought it may have potential for alternative uses or redevelopment.

Equally stand-out is 9 Regent Street, part of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. It once formed part of a large former button factory occupying the whole of the corner site on Frederick Street, Regent Street and Vittoria Street. The property has planning permission to change part of the ground floor from light industrial use to a café. Considered to have refurbishment potential, there is a guide price of £150,000-£175,000.

Other intriguing Birmingham properties up for auction are 106 Sampson Road, Sparkbrook, a former children’s day nursery, guide price £170,000; 121 Clopton Road, Sheldon, another former children’s day nursery, guide price £120,000; and 194 Tile Cross Road, Kitts Green, a six bedroom semi detached former care home, guide price, £125,000-£135,000.

And some lucky bidder could be toasting their success in purchasing the former Beeches public house, Merritts Brook Lane, Northfield, Birmingham, a cleared residential development site, guide price £200,000-£225,000.