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The Observatory, Clifton Down, Clifton, Bristol

£1,200,000
Hollis Morgan Auctions Bristol & West Country, Bristol
PROPERTY TYPE

Commercial Property

SIZE

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Key features

  • For Sale By Auction
  • Wednesday 30th July 2014
  • Www.Hollismorgan.Co.Uk
  • Download The Catalogue
  • All Saints Church Clifton
  • Post@Hollismorgan.Co.Uk
  • Taking Lots For October

Description

Hollis Morgan JULY AUCTION LOT NUMBER 25 - This is a unique opportunity to purchase one of Bristol's top tourist attractions, which attracts 500,000 visitors a year, with significant scope to create a highly successful and profitable business. *** ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY ***

For Sale By Auction

*** THE CLIFTON OBSERVATORY HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM THE JULY AUCTION - PLEASE CONTACT BURSTON COOK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ***
LOT NUMBER 25
Wednesday 30th July 2014
All Saints Church Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2HY
Legal packs will be available for inspection from 18:00.
The sale will begin promptly at 19:00

Viewings

Please contact Julian Cook or Charlie Kershaw of Burston Cook for viewings;
Tel: 0117 934 9977
Julian@burstoncook.co.uk
Charlie@burstoncook.co.uk

Solicitors

Mark Beaumont
Lindleys Solicitors
The Reading House
11 Alexandra Road
Clevedon
BS21 7QH
01275 877 277
MBeaumont@lindleys.net

Online Legal Packs

Please visit our website www.hollismorgan.co.uk and follow the RED links Download Legal Packs
For the first visit you will be required to register simply with your email and a password.
Having set up your account you can download legal packs or register to receive them if not yet available. You will also automatically be updated if any new information is added.

Joint Agents

We are delighted to be working once again with Burston Cook
www.burstoncook.co.uk

The Property

The Observatory occupies a site of great historical interest, originally an Iron Age lookout post and a fortified Roman camp. The existing building was originally built as a windmill for corn in 1766 and later converted to the grinding of snuff.

This was damaged by a fire in October 1777 when the sails were left turning during a gale and caused the equipment to catch alight.

It remained derelict for some 52 years until artist William West rented the old mill as a studio in 1828.

It was Mr West who installed telescopes and a Camera Obscura, used by artists of the Bristol school to draw the Avon Gorge and Leigh Woods well before the construction of Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge.

The Camera Obscura is situated on the top floor and is still in full working order and even to this day gives a most impressive bird's eye view of Avon Gorge, projected onto a 5 ft concave metal surface. In its day, this technology was certainly cutting edge. Leading to the Camera Obscura, there are two circular rooms which would eminently suit visiting art exhibitions, especially with the historical connection to the artists who used this bird's eye vantage point to capture on canvas, the dramatic Avon Gorge.

Mr West also built a tunnel from The Observatory to St Vincent's Cave, which opens onto a limestone cave on the cliff face of the Avon Gorge. The cave was first mentioned as being a chapel in the year AD305 and excavations, in which Romano-British pottery has been found, have revealed that it has been both a holy place and a place of refuge at various times in its history.

The building that now stands on the site has only been sold on two occasions since it was constructed in 1766 and is now designated as Grade II*.

Location

The Observatory is situated in one of South West England's most prime locations, Clifton. Perched at the top of the Avon Gorge, the building and its terraces offer the most outstanding vantage point to take in a bird's eye view above Brunel's iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and far beyond across the city of Bristol in one direction and in the other direction, along the Avon Gorge and across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh hills, from where the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets can be enjoyed.

Schedule

Comprises

The Observatory

The main entrance to The Observatory is served by a small entrance reception, which leads directly to the steps spiralling up to the Camera Obscura on the third floor. The first and second floors each provide a circular room, which at present are not utilised and would ideally suit use as an art gallery or museum.

Observatory Terrace

From The Observatory there is a separate staircase which directly links onto the main viewing/dining terrace.

Beneath The Observatory there is a steep staircase which has been cut through the ground below and now directly leads to St Vincent's cave with a spectacular viewing balcony onto the cliff face and over the Gorge.

The Cafe / Restaurant

The café / restaurant can be accessed from The Observatory, however, there is a separate main entrance to this area from the other side of the building which allows it to be used independently of The Observatory/Caves by both visitors to the main tourist attraction and also by locals simply wanting to 'eat or drink'.

The ownership extends to the outside edge of the pedestrian paths circling the building, within which there is a small grassed area which will potentially accommodate a number of tables and chairs for customers.

There is a further staircase leading from the main restaurant/café up to the viewing terrace and 'domed area', which can provide additional dining facilities.

Planning Consent

A full planning history review, prepared by LPC Town & Country Planning Development Consultants, can be emailed on request.

We are informed that the property benefits from planning consent for the existing use and now also to include the recently renovated main building to the side of The observatory as a restaurant/café.

Planning consent also allows for the incorporation of a glass dome over part of the viewing terrace and the addition of two further windows in the main building, should the purchaser require.

The Business Opportunity.

Now with full planning consent for visitor's restaurant/café with large restaurant/viewing terrace.

Brunel's world renowned Clifton Suspension Bridge, which attracts 500,000 visitors per year.

Despite no promotion/marketing, the building being under renovation and only being open for part of the year and with no restaurant/café, the observatory attracted over 44,000 paying visitors in the last 12 months.

500,000 people visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge each year thus providing a significant visitor base to maximise custom to both The Observatory/Caves and café/terraces.

The café/restaurant/terraces can be accessed independently from The Observatory thus tapping into the significant local customer base visiting Clifton and the Downs (dog walkers, mothers with toddlers etc).

The full renovation only recently completed with café/restaurant finished to a shell for the new owner to fit out to their own requirements.

A unique opportunity to purchase (freehold) one of Bristol's top visitor attractions which will stand the test of time.

Tenure

Freehold - Camera Obscura must remain within The Observatory and open to the public.

N.B.

The Camera Obscura and the interior parts of the room within which it is housed are held by way of a lease to the freeholder for a term of 99 years from 4th August 1977 at a peppercorn rent, which the freeholder is responsible to keep and maintain in good repair and working order and to keep open to access to the general public. The purpose of this lease is to protect the future of the Camera Obscura within The Observatory and a copy of the lease can be provided on application.

Epc

For full details of the EPC please refer to the online legal pack.

Buyers Premium

Please be aware all purchasers are subject to a £500 + VAT buyers premium payable upon exchange of contracts.

Charity Of The Year

Hollis Morgan are supporting Bristol Children's Help Society as their 2014 Charity of the year. We are delighted to announce that 10% of every buyers premium will be donated to this excellent local charity. For further details on their outstanding work in the community please visit www.tbchs.org.uk/about.html

In 2013, Hollis Morgan successfully raised £2,000, which was donated to Penny Brohn.

Auction Buyers Guide

Available to download via our purpose built property website.

Auction Finance

Some properties may require specialist auction finance- please contact Hollis Morgan for access to expert advice and whole of market rates.

Testimonials

We are very proud of what our clients say about us - please visit our website to read our Testimonials:
www.hollismorgan.co.uk/auction-testimonials.html

Guide Price

An indication of the seller's current minimum acceptable price at auction. The guide price or range of guide prices is given to assist consumers in deciding whether or not to pursue a purchase. It is usual, but not always the case, that a provisional reserve range is agreed between the seller and the auctioneer at the start of marketing. As the reserve is not fixed at this stage and can be adjusted by the seller at any time up to the day of the auction in the light of interest shown during the marketing period, a guide price is issued. This guide price can be shown in the form of a minimum and maximum price range within which an acceptable sale price (reserve) would fall, or as a single price figure within 10% of which the minimum acceptable price (reserve) would fall. A guide price is different to a reserve price (see separate definition). Both the guide price and the reserve price can be subject to change up to and including the day of the auction.

Reserve Price

The seller's minimum acceptable price at auction and the figure below which the auctioneer cannot sell. The reserve price is not disclosed and remains confidential between the seller and the auctioneer. Both the guide price and the reserve price can be subject to change up to and including the day of the auction.

The Property Misdescriptions Act 1991
Although we endeavour to ensure the accuracy of property details produced and displayed, we have not tested any apparatus, equipment, fixtures and fittings or services and so cannot verify that they are connected, in working order or fit for the purpose. Neither have we had sight of the legal documents to verify the Freehold or Leasehold status of any property. A Buyer is advised to obtain verification from their solicitor and/or surveyor. A Buyer must check the availability of any property and make an appointment to view before embarking on any journey to see a property. Room measurements should not be relied upon for carpets and curtains. References to the Tenure of a Property and Management Company Details are based on information supplied by the Seller. The Agent has not had sight of the title documents. A buyer is advised to obtain verification from their solicitor.

The Observatory, Clifton Down, Clifton, Bristol

Approximate location

NEAREST STATIONS

Distances are straight line measurements from the centre of the postcode
  • Clifton Down Station0.7 miles
  • Redland Station1.3 miles
  • Montpelier Station1.7 miles
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About the agent

Hollis Morgan Auctions Bristol & West Country, Bristol

9 Waterloo Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BT

Hollis Morgan Auctions Bristol & West Country, Bristol
The Regions most successful Auctioneers since 2010
WHY HOLLIS MORGAN?

Auction Means Action | Instant Exchange | 10% Non Refundable Deposit | Fixed Completion

The Hollis Morgan philosophy is based on combining traditional high street agency with modern technology allowing us to build lasting relationships by listening to clients, understanding their situation and delivering on our advice.

The Hollis Morgan team, with over 150 years combine

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Notes

These notes are private, only you can see them.

Disclaimer - Property reference 1111144A_11144. The information displayed about this property comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. This property advertisement does not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by Hollis Morgan Auctions Bristol & West Country, Bristol. Please contact the selling agent or developer directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland.

Auction Fees: The purchase of this property may include associated fees not listed here, as it is to be sold via auction. To find out more about the fees associated with this property please call Hollis Morgan Auctions Bristol & West Country, Bristol on 0117 463 0219.

*Guide Price: An indication of a seller's minimum expectation at auction and given as a “Guide Price” or a range of “Guide Prices”. This is not necessarily the figure a property will sell for and is subject to change prior to the auction.

Reserve Price: Each auction property will be subject to a “Reserve Price” below which the property cannot be sold at auction. Normally the “Reserve Price” will be set within the range of “Guide Prices” or no more than 10% above a single “Guide Price.”

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