A FORMER Liberal Club has been sold for more than double its original asking price – and now it may be developed.
According to its marketing sheet, what was once the Lancashire Ward venue may be the site of a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).
The building, which stands on the corner of Hamilton Street and Stamford Street in Stalybridge, went under the hammer on Wednesday, August 18.
And after initially being valued at £120,000, it eventually sold for £240,500 after a flurry of late bids.
Now focus turns to what to do with the prominent structure, with planning permission already granted to convert it into three flats.
Documents describe the Liberal Club as: “Currently open plan, in the main it has been knocked back to brick internally.
“The plans that are passed are for three flats, a one bedroom and further two bedroom on the ground floor, the first floor plans are for a two bedroom apartment.”
However, it adds: “There is potential for a basement conversion subject to permission.
“An alternative scheme was previously withdrawn for conversion to an HMO, which may be a suitable alternative subject to planning.”
A nearby building, the former Shop Inn, is also subject of a planning application to convert it into a seven-bedroomed HMO.
And any such scheme would be met with opposition from both nearby residents and local councillors.
The Liberal Club is already a money maker as an advertising board on its gable end generates £1,000 per year.
However, if planning permission is granted, a digital one could potentially generate £4,000 per year.
If any plan is formed to turn the Liberal Club not anything ither than the three flats permission was granted for, Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to accept or reject it.