Elizabethan Gallery: ‘Prestigious and renowned’ 16th Century building in Wakefield to be sold
Wakefield Council has confirmed the Elizabethan Gallery is to be sold and is in “considerable need of very costly repairs.”
A council-owned building in Wakefield city centre which dates back to the Tudor period has been put up for sale.
Wakefield Council has confirmed the Elizabethan Gallery is to be sold and is in “considerable need of very costly repairs.”
The Grade II*-listed property on Brook Street was built in 1598 and was the original home of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS).
The council purchased the building in 1979 and it was used as an exhibition space for the city’s art gallery.
More recently, it had been hired out as an events space but has been vacant for around seven years.
Jane Brown, the council’s service director for property, facilities and health and safety, said: “The Elizabethan Gallery has been vacant for a number of years and is in considerable need of very costly repairs.
“It is now on the market for those with the right expertise and commitment to invest in the property and give it a new life.
“We welcome proposals from any interested parties and will consider all viable offers.”
Last week, council leader Denise Jeffery announced Woolley Hall, a council-owned country mansion dating back to 1635, had been sold as part of cost-cutting measures.
The amount received for the building has yet to be disclosed.
The old Pontefract swimming pool site and Queen Elizabeth House, a former care home building, in Eastmoor, Wakefield, have also been sold in recent weeks.
The Elizabethan Gallery is being marketed by commercial estate agents Vickers Carnley, with offers in excess of £200,000 requested.
A description of the property on the company’s website states: “An extremely rare opportunity has arisen to purchase one of Wakefield city centre’s most prestigious and renowned properties.
“The property would lend itself to a variety of uses such as restaurant/bar, leisure, place of worship, training centre, clinic, community centre to name but a few and subject to planning permission.”
The 16th century building was funded by the Savile family and became QEGS’ first home after it was founded by Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I.
QEGS moved to its current site on Northgate in 1855 and the building then became the Wakefield Cathedral School.
In July last year, the Elizabethan Gallery was one of 19 council-owned buildings and sites in the city centre earmarked for regeneration in a council report.
Other sites included the council’s depot at Newton Bar and commercial properties on Westmoreland Street and Teall Street.
Historic listed buildings were also named in the document, including Milnes’ Orangery and The Lodge, on Back Lane, which were built in 1800s.