A major town centre period property that was built as law courts and later became home to Swindon’s Job Centre is to be regenerated by its new owner.
Wessex Court, on the junction of Clarence Street and Euclid Street, which has lain empty for three years, has been bought by EPOC Properties, a local development company based in Swindon’s Old Town.
The sale was brokered by Daniel Smethurst, a partner with Swindon’s largest commercial property agent Whitmarsh Lockhart.
EPOC’s managing director, James Phillips, says he plans to convert the attractive period property, which was built in the 1920s/30s and extended in the early 1990s, into 20 apartments. There is also A3 planning consent to add a restaurant in the property’s modern extension.
Daniel Smethurst said this is the latest in a run of interest in good quality property in the town.
“This really is a breakthrough in terms of kick-starting regeneration around that end of the town centre,” said Daniel.
“The older part of the building is elegant, with many interesting architectural features, and with 19 on-site car parking spaces it lends itself very well to high quality homes.
“The position of Wessex Court, with beautiful Queen’s Park nearby and the railway station within easy walking distance, is excellent for urban living, and I’m sure the modern extension will be very attractive for anyone looking for excellent premises for a new town centre restaurant.”
The guide price for Wessex Court was £850,000.
EPOC’s James Phillips said he was delighted to secure the property.
“These will be beautiful, upmarket homes with all the space, light and period features that only a lovely older property can offer,” he said.
“There are still original features dating back to its original function as the town’s law courts, and each apartment will be differently laid out and genuinely unique. The penthouse and duplexes on the top floor will have roof gardens and wonderful views as well. We’re expecting a lot of interest in what must be the most exciting quality homes project in the area.”
