Historic Methodist Church in Birmingham Up for Auction: A Unique Opportunity

An ornate former Methodist church dating back over a century is set to attract significant interest when it goes under the hammer in Bond Wolfe’s upcoming auction in October. The Saltley Methodist Church, located at 140 Alum Rock Road in Birmingham, is a striking example of early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture and presents a rare opportunity for buyers looking to invest in a property with rich historical significance.

Property Overview

The church, which was built in the early 1900s, is distinguished by its tall, ornate frontage that has been a landmark in the Alum Rock area for over a century. The property is being offered with a guide price of £350,000+ in the auction scheduled for Thursday, 24 October.

Ian Tudor, Commercial Auction Director at Bond Wolfe, described the property as an attractive and prominent building:

“This property is an attractive former church that occupies a prominent position fronting Alum Rock Road between its junctions with Ellesmere Road and Edmund Road.”

Architectural and Interior Features

The two-storey building is substantial in size, with a rectangular-shaped site that boasts a frontage of 70 feet and a site depth of approximately 100 feet. The interior offers a wealth of space across its two floors:

• Ground Floor: The ground level features an entrance lobby, toilets, a minister’s room, a worship hall, as well as offices and meeting rooms. This area alone provides 4,557 sq ft of usable space.
• Upper Floor: Upstairs, the property includes a meeting area, side galleries, an organ gallery, and additional rear rooms and storage space totalling 3,228 sq ft.

The building’s large worship hall and meeting areas offer a versatile space that could be adapted for various uses, retaining its historical charm while serving modern needs.

Potential for Adaptive Reuse

While the property’s heritage as a church makes it an excellent candidate for continued religious use, its expansive layout and prime location suggest a range of alternative possibilities. Ian Tudor emphasized the property’s adaptability:

“The property is considered suitable for a variety of alternative uses, including a continuation of religious uses, community uses, meeting hall and hospitality venue, subject to planning permission.”

This flexibility opens the door for potential developers, community groups, or entrepreneurs to reimagine the space as a community centre, events venue, or even a hospitality business. The combination of historical architecture with modern development potential makes this property a unique find in the Birmingham market.

Location and Surrounding Area

Alum Rock Road is a bustling thoroughfare in Birmingham, known for its vibrant mix of retail, commercial, and residential properties. The church’s location on this busy route ensures high visibility and easy accessibility, making it an ideal spot for ventures that require a prominent position within the community.

The surrounding area is characterized by a diverse range of businesses, from local shops to restaurants, contributing to a lively neighbourhood atmosphere throughout the day.

Important Notes on the Sale

It is important to note that the church hall located immediately to the rear of the property and the car park to the side are not included in the sale. These facilities will remain under the ownership and use of the Saltley Methodist Church.

Auction Details and Registration

The former Saltley Methodist Church is one of many properties that will feature in Bond Wolfe’s upcoming auction, which will commence at 8:30 am on Thursday, 24 October. The auction will be live-streamed via Bond Wolfe’s website, offering the opportunity for remote bidding by proxy, telephone, or online.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to register in advance and review the Important Information and legal packs provided to ensure they are fully informed about the property and any applicable fees.

For more details, interested parties can visit the auction section of Bond Wolfe’s website, or contact the auction team directly:

• Website
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510

The sale of the Saltley Methodist Church represents a rare chance to acquire a piece of Birmingham’s history, with significant potential for redevelopment or continued community use. With its rich architectural features, prominent location, and flexible interior space, this property is poised to attract a diverse range of bidders at Bond Wolfe’s October auction. Whether preserved as a religious site or transformed for a new purpose, the church stands as a testament to Birmingham’s architectural heritage and ongoing urban evolution.