Property Description

A substantial 5,573 sq. ft. three storey premises constructed in 1878 by renowned architect Charles Lynam to serve as a public library. The property was given Grade II Listed status in 1991 and is described by the Listed Building Society as follows… Library, purpose-built as library and Shakespeare Institute in 1878. By Charles Lynam. Brick with stone dressings, enriched with tiled panels and mosaics. 2-storeyed over a basement, 5 bays, stepped in plan. Red brick to basement, then white brick above, with rubbed red brick pilasters and architraves to windows in the advanced 3-bay section to the SW. 3 oculi, with tiled panels over, and mosaic depicting Shakespeare in the central panel. Stone band embellished with motifs, and continuous band of casement windows immediately below the overhanging eaves. Doorway in recessed bay to NE with terracotta entablature and mosaic panel over with the date and foundation details. Tiled panels continue round side elevations, and depict flowers in urns, now very faded. Gable end stacks. The property is accessed by two principal entrances, via steps leading down to the lower ground floor with the main entrance to the ground floor approached via steps leading up from the pavement. Internally, there are two principal open plan areas to the lower ground and ground floor levels with a balcony area flanking the perimeter walls of the main hall overlooking the ground floor, together with a number of additional ancillary rooms throughout. Location The property is prominently located in the centre of Stoke, immediately opposite the Sainsburys supermarket and adjacent to a range of mixed use commercial premises. There are a number of public car parks within 50 yards. Stoke town centre has experienced something of a revival since Staffordshire University amalgamated its Stafford campus into the Stoke campus, which has resulted in the development of new student accommodation, significantly increasing the population of the town. Services All mains services are connected. There are two recently installed gas fired boilers that provide central heating throughout. No services have been tested by the agents. VAT The sale price is subject to VAT. Planning Formerly used as a Library the agents understand that the property has a F1(d) Use Class Order (Public Libraries or Public Reading Rooms) which falls within the F1 (Learning and non-residential institutions) Use Class Order. The only planning Application on record was granted in 2008 (Application no: 00479/LBC) which permitted the: refurbishment of basement works to include removal of internal entrance lobby, fixtures and fittings and formation of offices, kitchen, toilets store and entrance lobby and cleaners store. The property would suit a range of uses and the attached plans illustrate how the property could easily accommodate a bar/restaurant operator, subject to planning. Interested parties are advised to contact Stoke on Trent City Council to discuss alternative uses.

Note

Please be advised that whilst our joint agent has conducted an inspection, the auctioneers have not personally inspected the property. Prospective buyers are advised to make a viewing enquiry and any other necessary independent enquiries before placing their bid, as this will be binding.

Tenure

Freehold

---