A FORMER auctioneers in Knutsford town centre looks set to be converted for use as a private hire venue for weddings, ceremonial and business events.

The Grade 2 listed Marshall House, which was built in 1893 to house the Church of England Egerton Boys and Girls School, was home to Wright Marshall auctioneers between 1977 and 2019.

Now an application has been submitted by One London Road Ltd for change of use so the landmark building on Church Hill can be used for weddings, celebratory events, conferencing, offices, bar and restaurant.

The proposal also includes listed building consent for a part single storey and part two storey rear and side extension, internal and external alterations to listed building in association with the proposed change of use as well as associated external works including landscaping, garden area, car parking and servicing.

A letter submitted with the application, on behalf of the developer, states: “The submitted joint planning and listed building consent applications seek the appropriate consents to revitalise the Grade 2 listed building to create a modern mixed use facilities that draws on the unique locational credentials of the site, which lies adjacent to the Grade 2 listed St John the Baptist Church within the designated Knutsford Town Centre Conservation Area.

“The proposals seek to create a blend of old with new premises offering highest quality facilities for weddings, celebratory events, restaurant/bar, conferencing and office use.”

It adds: “The client company is proposing to invest significant funds to restore the listed building and reinstate much of the original fabric with minimal interventions to the listed building.

“There is a requirement to erect an extension to the building to create the quantum and quality of floorspace that is required to support the business model and ensure the listed building is able to be restored and reused and given a new long term viable future.”

The application, number 21/5804M, is due to be decided by a planning officer under delegated authority.

It can be viewed on the planning portal on the Cheshire East website and the last date for submitting comments is December 23 2021.