AUCTIONEERS say a pub in St Helens which will be open to bids this week is a genuine development opportunity.
As reported, the empty Wheatsheaf pub on Westfield Street in the town centre is to go up for auction this month, with a guide price of £110,000.
The asking price for the building, which has been closed for several years amid a difficult spell for the hospitality sector following Covid, has been cut in recent months.
The end-of-terrace pub, with residential accommodation above, will appear in the next live streamed sale to be held by SDL Property Auctions, which is part of Eddisons, on October 23.
READ MORE: What is the future of Westfield Street in St Helens?
The 2,300 sq ft two-storey pub, which has a beer garden to the rear, includes a two-bedroom flat on its first floor.
In a statement, auctioneers said the property may be suitable for alternative uses, subject to a buyer gaining the necessary planning consent for redevelopment.
In recent years it appeared as though the shutdown pub would reopen and focus on selling real ales as a traditional pub - but the plans never came to fruition.
There are those involved in town centre regeneration plans who think it has significant potential as a pub, particularly following St Helens' successes as a place with strong real ale pubs.
However, developers could eye it up as a spot for potential development for an alternative use.
Westfield Street
Andrew Parker, auctioneer and partner at SDL Property Auctions, said: “The Wheatsheaf is well located to benefit from the planned regeneration project that will see new homes, offices, retail and hotel space developed in St Helens town centre.
“Westfield Street is already seeing moves from investors, with the iconic Beecham building redeveloped as luxury apartments, and the area is included in the education and entertainment phase of the council’s masterplan.
"Westfield Street is evolving and as a result the former Wheatsheaf pub will doubtless be a sound investment for the winning bidder at our auction.”
For more information about the Wheatsheaf, or to register to bid remotely online, on the phone or by proxy, go to the SDL Property Auctions website.
The auction will be live streamed online on October 23, with bidder registration closing on October 22.
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