Graham + Sibbald together with Williams Sillitoe have been appointed by Knutsford Town Council to offer for sale the iconic 60 King Street. An Italianate building situated on Knutsford’s principal high street, forming one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.
The property incorporates the Gaskell Memorial Tower, giving the building significant architectural and cultural importance. It was conceived by local philanthropist and businessman Richard Harding Watt, who was responsible for a number of distinctive Italianate buildings in Knutsford that transformed the town’s architecture in the early 20th century. When constructed, the building had three distinct civic and social functions and was originally used as a Coffee House, public reading and cultural rooms and council offices.
Following its early civic role, the buildings use evolved over time until in the 1970’s when the building was leased and operated as a hospitality venue which was formerly known as “La Belle Epoque”. The restaurant closed in 2019, and the building has remained largely vacant while the Town Council has explored various options for its restoration and future use. The Council is keen to find a suitable credible buyer to invest in this important asset so that it can once again be enjoyed by residents and visitors to Knutsford.
Martin Davis, Senior Director of Graham + Sibbald said:
“The property offers a rare opportunity to add value and reposition the property as a landmark heritage asset within one of Cheshire’s most sought after leisure destinations. The building’s historic character, prominent town centre location and existing hospitality configuration lend themselves particularly well to a high-quality hospitality-led redevelopment such as a full service bar, restaurant, boutique hotel and function venue which could attract both people from the local community as well as business and leisure visitors from outside the area.”
Simon Gardner, Director of Williams Sillitoe said:
“It is likely that the property will prove to be of serious interest to a wide range of potential buyers including regional and national hotel and hospitality owners / operators, regional brewers, as well as local property speculators, investors and developers.”
Unconditional offers in the region of £1,250,000 are being invited for the freehold interest in the property by the joint agents and need to be received by no later than 12:00 noon on Friday the 12th June.
Mayor of Knutsford Cllr Bryan Hartley added “It is time for this Knutsford landmark to find a new owner who can breathe fresh life into what must be the iconic building of our Town Centre. This is the first time it has ever been put on the market, and we look forward to finding the best custodian for its future.”
For further information, please contact either:
Martin Davis – Graham + Sibbald
T: 07840 022259
Simon Gardner – Williams Sillitoe
T: 07557 853813
