Former UK magistrates’ court brought to market

UK: A former magistrates’ court in Ormskirk has been brought to market with planning permission in place for conversion into an aparthotel with a two-storey extension.

Walker & Williams is seeking to sell the 9,300 sq ft Grade II-listed property on Derby Street for a guide price of £890,000. The asset is being marketed by Keppie Massie.

If delivered, the scheme would increase the building’s total floorspace to 15,300 sq ft and provide 23 guest bedrooms. Eleven rooms would be located on the ground floor, with three featuring external terraces.

Planning permission was granted in 2019 for the building’s conversion into an aparthotel incorporating a restaurant and bar. Enabling works are already underway, including the demolition of a 1970s extension and the strip-out of the interior.

Tim Garnett, head of commercial at Keppie Massie, said the site was “primed and ready for new ownership”. He added: “This is an opportunity to convert and take forward an historic building at the heart of a thriving town as an aparthotel, giving it a contemporary update.”

The property dates back to the 1850s and was acquired by Walker & Williams in 2019 for £576,000. While consent is currently in place for hospitality use, the agent said the planning permission could potentially be amended to allow for alternative residential-led uses, including student accommodation or supported housing.

Walker & Williams had previously advanced plans to convert the building into an aparthotel, but the site is now being marketed for sale.

Highlights:

A former magistrates’ court in Ormskirk has been brought to market for £890,000.

The Grade II-listed building has planning permission for conversion into an aparthotel.

The scheme would deliver 23 guest bedrooms following redevelopment.

The asset was previously earmarked for aparthotel development by Walker & Williams.