Property agents at Keppie Massie are seeking a buyer for a former magistrates court in Ormskirk that already has planning consent for a new hotel. Tony McDonough reports

A former magistrates court in Ormskirk that comes with planning consent for conversion to a 23-bedroom aparthotel, restaurant and bar is on the market.

Acting on behalf of an unnamed vendor, agents at Keppie Massie are seeking a buyer for the 9,300 sq ft building in Derby Street. The proposed conversion would include a two-street extension, taking total space up to 15,300 sq ft and would include onsite parking.

Pre-commencement enabling and demolition works have already been completed across the half-acre site. It sits in a prominent position in Ormskirk town centre, near to the railway station and within a mile of Edge Hill University.

Under current permitted plans, the ground floor will consist of a restaurant and bar, 11 apartment rooms, reception and lobby, and staff service areas.

Three apartments will have private external terrace areas on the site of the demolished outbuilding. The first floor will provide 12 apartment rooms, six with a mezzanine level in the proposed extension, connected to the main building via a glazed link walkway.

Keppie Massie says there is potential to vary the planning consent to allow for residential, student or supported housing.

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Tim Garnett, head of commercial at Keppie Massie, said: “This is an opportunity to convert and take forward an historic building at the heart of a thriving town as an aparthotel.

“Alternatively, there is also scope to work with the local authority to adjust the existing consent and consider adding different accommodation uses or taking the scheme in a different direction.

“A good deal of work has already been completed and this site is absolutely primed and ready for new ownership.”