*BEST AND FINAL OFFERS ARE REQUESTED FOR 12PM FRIDAY 9th JULY 2021*
GSC Grays are delighted to bring to the market the Grade II Listed former Church of St Marks, Millfield. The property dates back to 1872 and is set in the grounds of approximately 0.5 acres. The Church is closed for worship and boasts a generous gross internal area of 5,866 sqft (545 sqm). The property is offered for sale without a designated use. Please note, planning permission has not been sought for this property, but we believe it would be suitable for a number of new uses, including community, residential, studio or office space.

Description - GSC Grays are delighted to bring to the market the Grade II Listed former Church of St Marks, Millfield. The property dates back to 1872 and is set in the grounds of approximately 0.5 acres. The Church sits in a prominent position within Millfield, is surrounded by residential housing and a number of shops/takeaways. The property stands on a slightly elevated site on the south side of Hylton Road, which leads westwards from the city centre. The Church is closed for worship and boasts a generous gross internal area of 5,866 sqft (545 sqm). The property is offered for sale without a designated use. Please note, planning permission has not been sought for this property, but we believe it would be suitable for a number of new uses, including community, residential, studio or office space. There is mains sewage, water, electric and gas to the property. Access to St Marks is gained from two points, one off Wentworth Terrace and from St Marks Terrace. There is parking available on site, with access from Wentworth Terrace with on street parking at St Marks Terrace. The Church is set in large grounds and does not include any burials. There is also a well-established community building adjacent to the church. The boundary of the community building sits directly along the churchs south elevation.

Location - The Church is situated within the centre of Millfield, principally a residential area. There are a number of pubs, shops and takeaways within walking distance. Transport links are also available, including the Millfield Metro Station and a bus stop directly to the front of the property. The East Coast Mainline from London to Edinburgh can be accessed from Durham Train Station (approx. 13 miles away). National and international flights are available from Newcastle International Airport (approx. 24 miles away).

Future Uses - No planning enquiries have been made with Sunderland City Council. Any change of use will require both Church Commissioners approval and Planning Approval. Any proposed use will need to consider the listing of the property and its location, condition and setting.

Tenure - The Church is to be offered for sale freehold with vacant possession on completion.

Restrictive Covenants - The property is to be sold subject to the Commissioners Covenants which are non-negotiable and will be discussed with the purchaser upon enquiry. These include restrictions on the future use of the building and alterations both internally and externally.

Rights Of Way, Wayleaves And Easements - The property is being sold subject to and with the benefit of those rights of way, wayleaves and quasi easements which may exist across the holding.

Viewings - The site can be viewed externally unaccompanied. For internal access, please contact GSC Grays on[use Contact Agent Button].

Vendor - The marketing for this property is undertaken by GSC Grays on behalf of the Durham Diocese Board of Finance and Church Commissioners for England (Charity registration number 1140097). On receipt of offers, the Diocese shall make a proposal to the Church Commissioners, who will determine the appropriate use and they will act as vendor. This process is governed by the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011.

Method Of Sale - The Church is to be offered for sale by private treaty. Perspective purchasers are invited to submit expressions of interest in writing, incorporating the following information.
a)Proposed use
b)Proposed financial offer.
c)Proof of funding to meet the offer and any conversion costs
d)Details of alterations which the purchaser wishes to make to the building
e)Relationship to planning policy.
The vendor shall consider all bids against the following criteria:
a)Anticipated planning and acceptability
b)Suitability of use in relation to the previous religious use
c)Financial funds available
d)Impact on the building

Sale Process - The vendor will determine which, if any bid shall be taken further. The vendor will expect to select one or more bids to be taken forward. The successful bidders will then be asked to make final offers in the form of a business plan, including firm financial terms and evidence of the likely acceptability of the proposal by the planning authority.
Independent confirmation that funds are available to meet the offer made and to cover the cost of any proposed alterations to the building. The vendor may also seek assurance through a business plan with information as to the long term viability of the proposals.
The Church Commissioners will sanction the disposal and in doing so, must undertake certain legal processes under the provisions of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011, including the statutory period of public consultation before completing the sale of the property. Purchasers should be aware that the procedures will not commence until evidence has been supplied, indicating favourable response from the planning authority. The Commissioners require that any necessary planning permission is in place before completing the sale.

Fixtures And Fittings - On acceptance of an offer, a schedule of fixtures and fittings, which are specifically included in the sale are to be agreed. The vendor reserves the right to remove any fixtures and fittings and stained glass in advance of the agreement. In the schedule and thereafter, anything which is not included can be removed without notice in advance of the sale.

Boundaries - The maximum extent of the site is shown on the attached plan for identification purposes only. The vendor will discuss the extent of the land which they wish to sell to the purchaser, and this will depend on the proposed use.

Particulars - Particulars were prepared in April 2021 and photographs taken in August/September 2020.

Disclaimer Notice - GSC Grays gives notice that:
1. These particulars are a general guide only and do not form any part of any offer or contract.
2. All descriptions, including photographs, dimensions and other details are given in good faith but no warranty is provided. Statements made should not be relied upon as facts and anyone interested must satisfy themselves as to their accuracy by inspection or otherwise.
3. Neither GSC Grays nor the vendors accept responsibility for any error that these particulars may contain however caused.
4. Any plan is for guidance only and is not drawn to scale. All dimensions, shapes, and compass bearings are approximate and should not be relied upon without checking them first.
5. Nothing in these particulars shall be deemed to be a statement that the property is in good condition, repair or otherwise nor that any services or facilities are in good working order.
6. Please discuss with us any aspects that are important to you prior to travelling to the property.