Posted:
8:00 a.m. on September 26, 2021
A Victorian church in Ipswich which is ripe for conversion into houses is being offered.
The former St. Clement of Back Hamlet Congregational Church has been on the market for about a year, but a potential buyer has now been found.
Constables Beane Wass and Box said the old Maverick Church – which dates back to 1887 – could be turned into a family home.
It is now proposed while negotiations continue.
The guide price for the old church was around £ 300,000 – but a buyer buying it at that price was required to use it as a place of worship. If conversion is the intention then the property is expected to bring in around £ 450,000.
The old parish church has retained many of its historical features
– Credit: BEANE WASS AND BOX
The sale includes the main church building, which includes the main worship area, a balcony, a porch, a meeting room, as well as a utility room and a porch.
Although no longer in use as a place of worship, it is sold with many of its original features still intact, including pews, a magnificent organ and stalls.
The building itself dates back to Victorian times and has a strong connection to the Grimwade family.
The main area of the church is 335 m² and with the additional rooms it is 464 m² in total. There is potential for an additional floor, subject to planning permission. On the ground, there is a parking lot for up to 12 vehicles.
Details of the sale have indicated it could be converted into a house, following a pre-demand discussion with Ipswich Borough Council. Advice provided by planners has “largely indicated” that conversion to residential use would be acceptable.
However, no formal planning consent for the conversion is yet in place and should be sought from council planners by any potential purchaser.
Beane Wass and Box described the property as a “fantastic and unusual Congregational Federation church that will no doubt appeal to religious and arts organizations.”
