An exceptional opportunity to acquire the historic Lerwick Congregational Church, an impressive detached stone-built property occupying a prominent position on Clairmont Place, in the heart of Lerwick. Rich in architectural character and heritage, this distinctive building offers generous accommodation, striking original features and considerable potential for a variety of alternative uses, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.
The property is characterised by its attractive traditional stonework, impressive proportions and distinctive ecclesiastical architecture, making it a particularly appealing opportunity for purchasers seeking a unique building with scope for redevelopment or repurposing.
At the heart of the property is the magnificent main sanctuary and chancel, an expansive space featuring high ceilings, beautiful stained glass windows and an abundance of natural light. The impressive internal proportions create a wonderful sense of space, while the traditional architectural detailing retains much of the building's original charm and character.
A particularly striking feature is the first-floor seating gallery, which overlooks the main sanctuary and further enhances the scale and architectural interest of the interior.
In addition to the principal worship area, the property benefits from a range of ancillary accommodation, including a vestry at lower ground floor level, a spacious kitchen and two toilet facilities. These additional areas provide useful flexibility and could be adapted to accommodate a variety of future requirements.
The building presents exciting possibilities for conversion or alternative use. Its generous internal spaces, central location and distinctive character could lend themselves to a range of purposes, including a community or cultural venue, art gallery, performance or events space, commercial premises or residential redevelopment, subject to the necessary planning permissions, building warrants and other statutory consents.
Situated within Lerwick, the property enjoys a convenient and accessible location, within easy reach of the town centre and its wide range of shops, services, amenities and transport connections.
With its combination of historic charm, substantial accommodation and redevelopment potential, Lerwick Congregational Church represents a rare opportunity to acquire a distinctive property in Shetland's principal town.
Early viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate the impressive scale, architectural features and possibilities offered by this unique property.
ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES;
Basement: Vestry
Ground Floor: Entrance Hall, Sanctuary, Chancel, Kitchen and two Toilets
First Floor: Seating Gallery
LOCATION
Situated on Clairmont Place in the centre of Lerwick, the property enjoys a convenient and prominent town-centre location within the Lerwick Lanes Conservation Area. The surrounding area is an established mix of residential and commercial properties, providing a distinctive historic setting while remaining close to the amenities and services of Lerwick town centre.
ACCOMMODATION
Basement;
Vestry (4.45m x 3.89m)
East facing wooden glazed door, strip lights to the ceiling, v-lining to the ceiling, v-lining to the walls, district heating heat exchanger, carpet to the floor.
Ground Floor;
Entrance Hall (0.92m x 3.32m) (4.92m x 3.35m) (6.45m x 3.35m)
North facing wooden door, West facing skylight, flush light and strip lights to the ceiling, half height v-lining to the walls, tiles and carpet to the floor.
Chancel / Sanctuary (9.17m x 11.13m)
North and South facing stained glass windows, pendant lights to the ceiling, carpet to the floor.
Male & Female Toilets (1.59m x 1.61m) (1.57m x 1.61m)
East Facing windows, pendant lights to the ceiling, two toilets, two sinks, lino to the floor.
Kitchen (5.48m x 3.97m)
East, South and West facing windows, strip lights to the ceiling, wall and base units, laminiate worktop, two single bowl sink and draining board, space for freestanding cooker, space for free standing fridge freezer, built in storage cupboard, tile effect lino to the floor.
First Floor;
Seating Gallery (9.07m x 13.13m)
North, South and West facing stained glass windows, church pews situated in the stepped seating gallery.
EXTERNAL
South facing enclosed chipped area, to the rear of the church.
SERVICES
Electricity: Mains
Water: Mains
Drainage: Mains
Heating: District Heating (heat exchanger located within the basement vestry).
The services and heating installation have not been tested by the selling agents. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves as to their condition, capacity and suitability for any proposed future use, together with the arrangements for continued district heating supply.
Rateable Value - The property’s rateable value is £5,700
The property was formerly occupied as a place of public religious worship and closed in June 2026. Prospective purchasers should make their own enquiries with the Orkney & Shetland Valuation Joint Board and Shetland Islands Council regarding the property's current rating status, any applicable reliefs or exemptions, and the potential non-domestic rates liability arising from a change of use.
EPC Rating - Band D
EXTRAS
All fixed items included in the sale. Some moveable items available by separate negotiation.
VAT
The VAT position in respect of the sale is to be confirmed. Prospective purchasers should seek independent advice regarding any VAT liability arising from the transaction.
TENURE
The property is offered for sale with vacant possession, subject to confirmation of the seller's title, any existing rights of occupation and the terms of the disposition. Interested parties should satisfy themselves regarding the extent of the subjects and any rights, burdens or restrictions affecting the property.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
The property is situated within the Lerwick Lanes Conservation Area but is not individually listed as a building of special architectural or historic interest.
The building offers considerable potential for a variety of alternative uses, including commercial, community, leisure or residential redevelopment, subject to obtaining all necessary planning permissions, building warrants and other statutory consents.
Prospective purchasers are advised to make their own enquiries with Shetland Islands Council Planning Service regarding the suitability of the property for their intended use and any restrictions which may apply.
ENTRY
Immediate entry available on conclusion of legal formalities with a flexible entry date.
VIEWINGS
By appointment only. Contact or email
CLOSING DATE
Parties wishing to be advised of a closing date should formally note their interest with the selling agent via a solicitor.
OFFERS TO
Arthur & Simpson
68 Commercial Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0DL
Telephone
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DISCLAIMER Note: Whilst we endeavour to make these particulars accurate, they do not offer/form any part of a contract on offer and are not guaranteed. Please note, the property is sold as seen. Measurements are approximate. We have not tested electricity, gas or water services or any appliances. Photographs may have been taken with a wide-angle lens