A section of an impressive early 19th century building that used to host the Royal Library in Great Malvern, Worcestershire is appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction.
The Grade II-listed property on Worcester Road was erected as a library in 1818 for visitors to the town and received its ‘Royal’ name following a visit by the then Princess Victoria in 1830.
Historians have long contended that the existence of this single building, which later became a landmark Barclays Bank branch, resulted in Great Malvern rather than Malvern Wells blossoming into a town.
Ian Tudor, commercial auction director of Bond Wolfe, explained that the 2-4 Worcester Road part of the building is now appearing in Bond Wolfe’s livestreamed on Thursday 16 May, with a guide price of £275,000+.
Mr Tudor said: “This attractive and vacant ground floor property occupies a prominent position fronting the A449 Worcester Road near its junction with Church Street.
“There is a vibrant mix of local traders and national operators within the vicinity including a mix of retail, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and professional offices.
“These Grade II-listed former bank premises comprise of a former banking hall arranged over ground and basement levels with a small mezzanine.
“The property is a virtual freehold, with 999 years leasehold, and is suitable for variety of alternative uses including restaurant, bar, coffee shop, offices, show room or retail, subject to planning permission.”
The architects Samuel and John Deykes designed the original building, which has been listed since 1970 for many stand-out features.
The accommodation of the 2-4 Worcester Road section of the building extends to 1,220 sq ft on the ground floor and 850 sq ft in the basement.
The property’s 999-year ground lease came into effect in 2004 for a peppercorn rent.
Great Malvern lies at the foot of the Malvern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the town itself a conservation area in recognition of its special architectural and historical interest.
There are easy road links to Worcester city centre, which is approximately eight miles to the north-east, and to the national motorway network via junction 7 of the M5.
The property is among 208 lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at 8.30am on Thursday 16 May.
If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.