A vacant former RNLI social club that has been empty for a number of years has sold for more than double the price it was expected to fetch at auction.
The former Lowestoft Lifeboat Crew Association building on Links Road, Lowestoft smashed its reserve and sold for well over the price it was expected to fetch.
Close to the seafront in north Lowestoft, the former social club building went under the hammer this week.
There were hopes that the vacant single storey building could be converted, after a vision for the site "received planning approval" to be transformed into a restaurant and two, three storey holiday homes.
However, the planning conditions for the site "has now lapsed" – leading to the building being offered at auction.
Described as "storage", it went under the hammer at an online auction on Wednesday, July 26, as it was marketed by Auction House East Anglia and offered in association with Steel and Co.
With a minimum guide price of £30,000 to £50,000 plus fees, on a freehold tenure, the property description from the auctioneers stated: "A detached single storey building with lapsed consent for two holiday properties or restaurant.
"Located in an elevated position close to the seafront this currently vacant single storey building was previously used as a social club for the Lifeboat Association but more recently the site has received planning approval for the conversion to a restaurant and two, three storey holiday homes.
"This planning has now lapsed and purchasers should make their own enquiries of the relevant authorities regarding any future use.
"The plot measures 0.06 acres and the current building extends to approximately 52.2 sq m."
With the seafront "a short walk" away, it added: "The existing brick building was originally constructed as public conveniences but was for many years used as a social club.
"The building comprises of one main room with toilets, kitchen area and store."
It sold for £106,000, an 28.3 per cent increase on what it was expected to fetch.
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