‘Iconic’ London Fields church to be auctioned for £1.7million
The Site of Eternal life Church in Shrubland Road, Hackney. Picture: Aleksandra Laganowska - Credit: Archant
A 19th century church, believed to be the oldest of its kind in Britain, is expected to fetch £1.7million when it goes under the hammer next week.
The “iconic” building in Shrubland Road, London Fields, is home to evangelical group The Site of Eternal Life Church but could become flats, a nursery or a cinema according to auctioneers Lot11.
The Grade II listed building is what’s known as a “tin tabernacle” building, due to the corrugated iron structure made popular in the mid 1880s.
The designs were used for churches, chapels or mission halls and many were exported to the USA, Canada, Africa and Australia – with the design now synonymous with America’s southern states such as Alabama and Louisiana.
The property was built in 1858 and is believed to be the oldest church of its kind in Britain.
But to be in with a prayer of buying the church, developers will need to cough up £1.7million.
Lot11 CEO Kevin Coughter said: “This property is highly unusual and we anticipate it will attract significant interest at our next quarterly property auction.
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“This site is in an area of immense capital growth and has a wealth of potential. It could be converted into a residential scheme, subject to planning, or something a bit different, like a nursery or possibly a cinema.”
The 3,645 sq ft building was originally constructed for Presbyterian worship and still has its original 10ft wooden doors, 50ft spire and gothic windows.
The online auction will take place on Wednesday next week. Viewings are available through Lot11. Visit lot11.co.uk for more information.
