Large former Blackheath church is landmark lot in Bond Wolfe’s next auction
A landmark Edwardian church building in Blackheath with potential for various alternative uses is among the lots set to feature in Bond Wolfe’s July auction.
The former church at 78 Birmingham Road, near Blackheath town centre in Rowley Regis, has a guide price of £450,000+ in the livestreamed auction to be held on Thursday, July 10, starting at 8.30am.
Ian Tudor, commercial auction director at Bond Wolfe, said: “This is a substantial former church occupying a town centre location and considered suitable for a wide variety of alternative uses, subject to planning permission.
“The vacant freehold property extends to approximately 9,203 sq ft, and with its impressive spire, the property is recognised as well-known local landmark building.
“The main entrance has a lobby either side with stairs to the first floor that leads into the main church area.
“There are also male, female and disabled toilets, a kitchen, office, communications room, further toilets, two more offices or meeting rooms, a cleaning store and another meeting or function room.
“There is also a galleried area overlooking the main church hall, a function/meeting room and office on the first floor.
“With its spacious interior and attractive features the property is considered suitable for a continuation of religious uses or, alternatively, community use, a hospitality venue or educational use.”
The church was originally built as Birmingham Road Methodist Chapel. According to records, it was built for a New Connexion society that first met at a cottage in Yew Tree Lane, Rowley Regis, in 1840. Later the congregation moved to Siviters Lane, and the chapel in Birmingham Road was opened on October 23 1906 - having cost £8,000 to complete.
In 1996 the Methodist churches of Blackheath amalgamated, meeting at Birmingham Road until new central premises were ready.
The chapel was then closed but reopened in 2005 as Kingsway International Church and has continued as a place of worship, most recently as the Kingdom Central church.
The property occupies a prominent position, fronting the B4171 Birmingham Road at its junction with Causeway and Henderson Way within Blackheath town centre.
It is among 196 lots set to feature in the auction which will be livestreamed via the Bond Wolfe website - with remote bidding by proxy, telephone or internet.
