The distinctive red brick former United Hebrew Congregation synagogue in the English seaside resort of Blackpool is up for auction (again) five years after it was sold at auction for £100,000 following planning permission to convert it into apartments.
It is being offered this time by Kenricks Commercial Estate Agents — with a much reduced starting bid of £70,000.
A Grade II listed building dating from 1916-1926, the synagogue was sold in 2012 after it was deconsecrated following its closure by its dwindling congregation, which could no longer maintain it.
It was on the market again soon after, in 2013, and the following years were marked by back and forth debates and decisions as to planning permissions for the building.
The Kendricks real estate web site describes it as an investment property with “tremendous potential” and “suitable for a number of uses.”
The building’s striking stained glass windows were recently fully restored at a cost of £25,000 — but photos on the web site show that the condition of the sanctuary has deteriorated over the years.
There was no immediate reason given as to why the building has otherwise remained untouched, or why it is again up for sale. But building restrictions given the Grade-2 status may play a role. Already when it was sold in 2019, the £100,000 purchase price was well under the guide price of £125,000.
Click to see the Real Estate Agent page and photos of the building