St Mary's Church Site

LOCATION
The property is located in the seaside town of Ryde, northeast coast of the Isle of Wight. Ryde is the largest town on the island and serves as a key gateway for visitors travelling from the mainland. Ryde is known for its expansive sandy beaches, its recently re-developed promenade and is well connected to Portsmouth and Southsea via the Wightlink Catamaran and Hovertravel services. The Island Line railway runs from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin, linking Brading, Sandown and Lake. Southern Vectis buses provide connections to Newport, Sandown and other locations.

Ryde has an immediate population of around 25,000, considerably boosted by the influx of summer tourists as well as day-trippers via fast passenger catamaran and Hovercraft links from Portsmouth and Southsea. The town boasts a 24,000ft² Co-Operative supermarket in addition to Peacocks, WH Smith, Costa Coffee, The Card Factory, Specsavers, Superdrug, The Works, Poundland, J D Wetherspoon and Dominos. The town has benefitted recently from restoration works to many of its Victorian buildings and now presents as a smart and lively shopping area.

DESCRIPTION
The property comprises a Grade II* Listed former convent school, which was built circa 1840. This formed part of a later addition including the linking corridor to the adjoining St Mary´s Church. The school was further extended, with the construction of the classroom block to the north of the site.

The school formally closed in 1990 and has been vacant since. The property has fallen into disrepair and poor condition throughout. It also comprises a former parish centre, a playground and car parking.

The site extends to approximately 0.263 ha (0.65 acres), with the buildings running to the following approximate measurements, all measurements to be confirmed on site. Classroom block - 244m² (2626.4ft²) Convent - 207m² (2228.13ft²) Link Building - 110m² (1184.03ft²) Parish Centre - 232m² (2497.23ft²)

TERMS
Offers are invited on behalf of the Vendor for the freehold interest by way of informal tender. The Vendor would prefer to dispose of the property in its entirety, however, is open to selling the property in lots.

PLANNING
The current use of the property will fall under the Use Class F1 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). This allows for a number of community uses, such as places of worship, education and public halls but also as libraries, museums, and law courts. The former convent and link building is Listed, and the site is situated within a conservation area. Alternative potential uses include nursery education, residential, senior living and hotel amongst others, subject to securing the necessary planning consents.

VIEWING
Viewing/access will be restricted. Strictly by appointment with sole agents. Call Lisa Mercer or Charlie Dickson on or email

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY DIRECT APPROACH BE MADE TO ANYONE AT THE PROPERTY, AS THEY WILL BE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH ANY ENQUIRIES.