Former Smethwick church & Sikh temple to be auctioned for £375,000+

A former church and Sikh temple in Smethwick is set to be auctioned.

The landmark building started as a Methodist church and later served as a Sikh temple and now, it will be auctioned in July.

Built in the Gothic style, the former Akrill Methodist Church has stood on the corner of Londonderry Lane and The Uplands in Smethwick since 1931. It closed as a church more than decade ago due to shrinking attendances and in more recent years, it was used as a Sikh gurdwara.

Built between 1928 and 1931 it was funded by Elizabeth Akrill, a prominent Methodist from Edgbaston, Birmingham. It was originally built to replace Smethwick’s Weslyan chapel, according to the Black Country History group.

The Methodist trustees wanted to build a new church away from the industrial area and the constant noise of drop forging and, as a result, it sits in a well-established residential area, opposite Smethwick Cricket Club.

The building was threatened with demolition in 2008 because of the high cost of repairs but Sandwell Council agreed to changes in access in 2011. This allowed the church to be sold while the neighbouring church hall became the new home of the Methodist congregation, before it also closed two years ago.

Almost 6,300 sq feet in size, this property has been listed for sale, with vacant possession, with a guide price of £375,000+. The auction will take place on July 13 by Bond Wolfe and will be livestreamed.

Ian Tudor, commercial auction director at Bond Wolfe, said: “These impressive premises occupy nearly half an acre on a broadly triangular site, with the building extending to approximately 6,266 sq ft.

“It is considered suitable for a variety of alternative uses or redevelopment, subject to the necessary planning permissions being secured. The current configuration provides a main entrance lobby, large worship hall, large commercial kitchen, large dining room, various meeting rooms, ancillary stores and toilets.

“There are many original features as well as gas-fired central heating, and currently the building has a tower to one corner, with surfaced car parking for around ten vehicles. In recent years, the premises have undergone some repair and improvement works by the current owners, including part mezzanine flooring.”

The auction will be livestreamed via Bond Wolfe’s website with remote bidding by proxy, telephone or internet. You can also email [email protected], or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510.