9:26am Monday 28th September 2009
Entrepreneurs with an eye for the unusual are being given a rare opportunity to buy a well-known building in the dead centre of Bradford.
The former mortuary at 18 Wilton Street, in the city’s student quarter, is up for sale at auction with a guide price of between £80,000 and £100,000.
And the auctioneers believe there is potential for the building to be converted into a nightclub or bar, with every body welcome to pop in for a stiff drink, perhaps.
Paul Thompson, director of Pugh & Company, which is selling the mortuary on behalf of Bradford Council, said: “In this business, you sell some wild and wacky things.
“In the past, we have sold nuclear bunkers, windows and ponds, but I can honestly say I have never sold a mortuary before.
“There is no planning consent but the building may suit retail, restaurant, nightclub, bar or a take-away – all subject to getting consent.
“We had all the jokes – come in for a stiff drink, every body welcome!
“There will be interest from the point of view that it’s quite a quirky property.
“It’s got a number of potential uses because it is close to the city centre. You could see it working as a pub or restaurant, with a quirky name. It might appeal to students.”
But David Haigh, chairman of Bradford Inner City Licensees Association (BICLA), quipped: “No way is anyone going to go to a mortuary for a pint. The pubs are dead enough as it is!”
Mr Thompson said the inside of the building was open plan and may not require too much work to convert for a number of potential uses.
The vacant property comprises first floor office accommodation and integral garage leading to a courtyard. The ground floor measures 1,270 sq ft and the first floor measures 239 sq ft.
The auction will take place in the Lorimer Suite at Leeds United Football Club’s Elland Road stadium at 2pm on October 20.
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