Former Thurso bank up for auction
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A THURSO town centre listed building – described as a possible "gem of an investment" – will come under the hammer this month in a Glasgow property auction.
The former Clydesdale bank premises in Traill Street is among the portfolio of 21 lots being offered by SVA Property Auctions in Glasgow on September 19.
Commenting on behalf of the local councillors, Matthew Reiss said: "We are hopeful that a new use can be found for this town centre building."
Open to the type of business the property might be developed into, Councillor Reiss said: "The important thing is to have as few 'for sale' signs as possible in the centre."
The Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor pointed out that the town had a good number of small independent family businesses with relatively few unoccupied premises, adding: "I am extremely anxious to maintain that and if possible improve the situation.
"We hope it does sell and there is new life breathed into this attractive building."
With an average of 85 per cent of lots sold over the last three auctions and a total of £3.1 million raised, Shaun Vigers, director and auctioneer of the independent property auction company, is confident that the first sale of the autumn programme will be buoyant.
With a guide price of £130,000 to £150,000 I think this could possibly be a gem of an investment.
He said: “The last few auctions have been busy with highly competitive bidding for a considerable number of the lots. It’s been very clear that when the auction room realises the potential of a lot, buyers have proved very determined.”
Mr Vigers believes this next auction will prove similar with the category B listed building in the centre of Thurso helping to generate some excitement in the room.
He said: “This grand old building on the North Coast 500 route seems to me to be asking to be converted into serviced apartments on the upper floor and perhaps a coffee shop at street level.
"With a guide price of £130,000 to £150,000 I think this could possibly be a gem of an investment.”
Built in 1866, the property extends over two floors. The ground floor was originally home to the Clydesdale bank, which shut its doors to customers in May 2017. Office accommodation was above the bank.
The building is currently completely vacant, which the sellers feel provides prospective entrepreneurs an opportunity for creative redevelopment.
A press release from SVA Property Auctions stated: "With the increasingly popular North Coast 500 route from Inverness to John O'Groats attracting thousands of visitors each year and inspiring hundreds of travel column inches, Thurso has become an ideal stopping off point."
The auction catalogue states: "Whilst it is in good condition and could readily be occupied again for the existing use, the building would lend itself to some redevelopment to at least partial residential use subject to obtaining all the necessary consents."
Interested parties are advised to make their enquiries with Highland Council planning department on 01349 886608.
Viewing is by arrangement with SVA Property Auctions Ltd (0131 624 6640).
