Church fails to sell at auction

Nov 30 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

OXTON Congregational church failed to meet its guide price at auction yesterday – but is expected to be sold soon.

The Grade II listed building was part of the property auction by Venmore Partnership in Liverpool.

The church, which is seen as crucial to the regeneration of the area between Birkenhead town centre and nearby Oxton, had a guide price of £500,000 and planning permission to be converted into 23 luxury apartments. It has been empty since 1999 and subject to vandalism.

Following the auction Phil Furlong, a partner with the Venmore Partnership said although it had not reached its reserve there had been interest.

He said: “We are speaking to someone who could not attend the sale.”