A Victorian former police station in Tonypandy, which played a central role in the 1910 Tonypandy Riots, is set to go under the hammer with a guide price of £99,000.
Historic building with a turbulent past
The building, dating from 1876, stands on Dunraven Street in the town centre. It was operational during the riots, which saw one miner die and more than 500 people injured. The unrest began over a pay dispute involving miners working a new, dangerous seam of coal. Local police, reinforcements and military personnel were summoned by then Home Secretary Winston Churchill to address the strike, which lasted almost a year. The station became a hub for coordinating the authorities' response.
Planning permission and potential uses
James Hollingsworth from Paul Fosh Auctions said the property benefits from planning permission for serviced office accommodation, providing scope for refurbishment and commercial use. He added: "There may also be potential for alternative redevelopment or conversion, including residential apartments or other accommodation, subject to obtaining all necessary planning permissions and consents. Prospective purchasers are advised to make their own enquiries with the Local Planning Authority regarding any proposed change of use or development."
He also noted that grants or regeneration funding might be available for qualifying works, advising interested parties to make their own enquiries with the relevant local authority and funding bodies.
Empty cells and eerie corridors
The station has been empty for many years, with its cells still intact. The front desk closed to the public around 2007, and although officers remained based there in 2013, it has since been vacant. The property is being sold with vacant possession.
The online auction begins at noon on Tuesday, September 1, and ends from 5pm on Thursday, September 3, with Paul Fosh Auctions.
