Former Church Building, 2nd Ards Presbyterian Church

FOR SALE

FORMER CHURCH BUILDING
2ND ARDS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
MARY STREET
NEWTOWNARDS
BT23 4DQ

Description

An excellent opportunity to acquire a distinctive Grade B Listed former church building occupying a prominent corner position in Newtownards town centre. 

Constructed in 1869 the building retains a wealth of architectural features, including an impressive vaulted timber roof with exposed decorative trusses, impressive stained-glass windows and a spacious nave with traditional timber pews, pulpit and organ.

The ground floor comprises the main nave, foyer, kitchen, offices, and toilet accommodation. The first floor provides a gallery accessed via an internal staircase from the foyer.

The property's distinctive architectural character, generous internal space and flexible layout lend themselves to a range of uses, including community, religious, educational, cultural, leisure or other commercial purposes, subject to planning and other necessary approvals.

Newtownards is a thriving market town with a population of approximately 29,700, located 10 miles east of Belfast with easy access to the Ards Peninsula and surrounding towns.

History

The congregation of 2nd Ards Presbyterian Church traces its origins to 1753 when it began in the nearby village of Conlig. The congregation moved to the current site in 1772. The present church building was constructed in 1869 of sandstone in a Victorian Gothic style under the direction of the then minister of the congregation Rev James Young, his 1902 obituary described the church building "as a lasting tribute to his architectural skill". 

The church has witnessed more than two and a half centuries of Newtownards history, one of the more charming reminders of its 18th-century past is found in the original 1772 deed, which required the congregation to sweep and clean the pavement outside the church every Saturday, with financial penalties for allowing dung or dirt to remain on Sunday.

Accommodation

Foyer - 25.1 sq m (270 sq ft)
Main entrance with impressive wooden double doors and circulation area providing access to the nave and gallery.

Nave - 190.5 sq m (2,050 sq ft)
Large open-plan principal space featuring traditional pews, impressive stained-glass windows to all sides, pulpit, organ and an exposed timber roof structure.

First Floor Gallery - 52.0 sq m (559 sq ft)
Gallery accommodation overlooking the main nave, accessed via an internal staircase from the foyer.

Office 1 - 35.4 sq m (381 sq ft)

Office 2 - 27.0 sq m (291 sq ft)

Office 3 - 17.3 sq m (186 sq ft)

Kitchen - 10.0 sq m (108 sq ft)

Toilet Accommodation

TOTAL AREA 357.3 SQ M (3,846 SQ FT)

TENURE

The property will be sold fee simple with a restriction on the premises being used for "gaming, or immoral" uses.

The property will have access to parking at the rear via a gateway shaered with the development site to the rear.

The purchaser will have rights to access a portion of the rear car park off Mark Street for maintenance, emergency exit and car parking.

PRICE

Offers are invited over £200,000.

Rates 

NAV £9,350 (currently exempt)
Listed Buildings are also exempt from vacant rates.

Contact

Paul Ritchie or Mark McIntyre
Russell Property
2 Regent Street, Newtownards BT23 4LL
Tel: 028 9181 2145
Email: [email protected]