St Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Gourock

OVERVIEW

The freehold of a historic Gourock church is to be made available to purchase through the Inverclyde property agency, Bowman Rebecchi.

St Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, which sits on the hillside at Barrhill Road overlooking the River Clyde, is a much-loved local landmark and closed in July 2021 after 165 years of operation.

Its tight-knit congregation has taken the difficult decision to close, with the Episcopal Church now placing the category B-Listed building on the market.

This rarely available property with its unique grounds and views has been exceptionally popular, with a closing date set for bids of Midday on Friday 27th January 2023. Any bids should also outline the intended use for the subjects.

PROPERTY DETAILS

The subjects comprise a purpose-built church initially constructed circa 1857 and extended c.1895 to incorporate a lower gabled chancel.

The subject property is Category ‘B’ Listed. For further details, interested parties should consult with Historic Environment Scotland and the local Planning department at Inverclyde Council.

The church occupies an elevated location and has been constructed within dedicated garden grounds laid to lawn, enclosed by stone walling topped with iron railing, offering views over the Firth of Clyde.

The small 3 bay gothic church has an extended chancel area, with the church building of traditional rubble sandstone construction incorporating polished ashlar dressings, incorporating battered buttresses, reticulated traceries, and sawtooth-coping, set below a pitched, slate-clad roof.

The building has a projected entrance vestibule with a pointed-arch chamfered doorway, with access to the nave being granted via a single leaf, solid core, timber door.

Windows are positioned on all elevations and include ornate features with stained glass windows to the gable elevations.

An additional point of entry/exit is situated in the eastern gable, allowing access to the vestry area and subsequently to the chancel, whilst a further access/egress point is situated to the rear (disabled access).

A small cellar is to the rear of the property, providing access to two boilers serving the property, which has been well-maintained thanks to various successful funding applications, including the Heritage Lottery.

PLEASE NOTE

Several internal ecclesiastical fixtures and fittings, together with a memorial garden and an external memorial tree will need to be accommodated by any successful purchasers. 

Further details will be provided by the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway Scottish Episcopal Church.

VIEWING

Open viewings will be held by Bowman Rebecchi for this property on:

- Monday 9th January 2023 from 10:00 - 12:00

- Tuesday 10th January 2023 from 12:00 - 14:00

- Wednesday 11th January 2023 from 14:00 - 16:00

Interested parties are welcome to attend without an appointment at any of these times.

A UNIQUE LOCATION

Gourock is located approximately 28 miles west of Glasgow on Scotland's West Coast, with a residential population in excess of 10,000 persons and a core catchment population of approximately 270,000 persons, all within the authority of Inverclyde Council. 

With a rich maritime heritage, Inverclyde is looking again to the River Clyde to support its future growth, with Greenock Ocean Terminal developing a new pontoon and visitor centre to support its 140,000 cruise liner passengers per annum, with Inverclyde seeing over 500,000 visitors per annum. 

For tourists, ferry services to Argyll and Bute are nearby, as-is Greenock Ocean Terminal, for the embarkation of cruise ships, as well as Kip Marina, for access to the beautiful sailing waters of the Clyde.  

The unique and iconic Gourock Outdoor Pool is a 5 minute walk away. 

Businesses in Gourock include Amazon and CalMac Ferries headquarters, with the main Inverclyde Royal Hospital less than a mile away in the neighbouring town of Greenock. 

OUTSTANDING CONNECTIVITY 

The property benefits from close access to the A770 linking to the M8 motorway, providing access to the national motorway network as well as the M74 motorway leading South and is 25 minute drive from Glasgow International Airport. 

The subject property is located on Barrhill Road, overlooking Gourock town centre and a 5-minute walk from Gourock railway station, with regular train services to Glasgow and Gourock. CalMac and Western Ferries services to Argyll and Bute are in close proximity with bus and national cycle routes available. 

Barrhill Road is a predominantly residential street within Gourock. The subject property is situated on the northern side of Barhill Road within the pitch located between Binnie Street to the east and Broomberry drive to the west.

Surrounding land use is predominantly attributed to residential dwelling houses – typically semi-detached properties located on the opposite side of Barrhill Road. Gourock Bowling Club and public gardens are situated adjacent to either side of the subjects. 

MEASUREMENTS 

The on-site measurements, measured in accordance with the RICS Code of Measuring Practice (6th Edition), calculate the subjects extend as follows: 

316 sq m / 3,400 sq ft

CLASS USE

Class 10 (Non-Residential Institutions)

TERMS

Rates - From the Assessor’s website, the property had a Rateable Value of £5,300. The property qualifies for 100% rates relief through the Small Business Bonus Scheme, subject to occupier status.

EPC - A copy of the Energy Performance Certificate is attached above and available upon request.

Entry - Early entry is available upon completion of missives. 

Price - Our client is seeking offers over £80,000 exclusive of VAT for their Heritable interest. A valuation report is available for potential purchasers.

VAT - All prices, rents, premiums, etc. are quoted exclusive of VAT. Interested parties must satisfy themselves as to the instance of VAT in respect of any transaction.

Legal Costs - Each party is responsible for their own legal costs and the tenant shall be responsible for lease registration costs and land tax as standard.

CLOSING DATE

A closing date is set for bids of Midday on Friday 27th January 2023. Any bids should also outline the intended use for the subjects and should be submitted to property@bowreb.com.

For further information or to view, please contact Bowman Rebecchi.