Landmark Hereford building to go under the hammer (From Ledbury Reporter)

Landmark Hereford building to go under the hammer

7:00am Monday 11th March 2013 in News

A HISTORIC Hereford building synonymous with the county’s most famous trade is to be sold.

The landmark Hereford Farmers’ Club, which closed in September after almost 90 years as a meeting place for agricultural workers, goes under the hammer in April.

It is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in the city and the last of its kind in the UK with a distinctive black and white exterior featuring gargoyles and a host of flower-based symbols drawn on the walls.

The club’s prominent location at the top of Widemarsh Street may also interest potential buyers wishing to make the most of the soon-to-be-built Old Livestock Market development (OLM) opposite.

“It’s a very special place. I hope it will attract local and also national bidders,” said Terry Court, joint managing director at Brightwells which is hosting the auction.

“It’s a fine building and a big old premises. I think it could be of interest to a catering establishment such as Pizza Hut.

“It’s going to be an important site with the development over the road.

“We understand the OLM developers are hoping to make people come to the city via that corner.”

The Farmers’ Club closed last year after seeing a drop in the number of people using its facilities.

Chairman Ruth Deaville said at the time it was a “painful decision” to make.

The listed building dates back to the early 17th century and has a snooker room, skittle alley, function and meeting rooms.

The auction takes place at the Farmers’ Club on April 10 with a guide price of £300,000.