The historic Bolton church and wedding venue with stained glass windows that's up for auction at bargain price

Bolton’s Iron Church is up for auction next month a year after permission was granted to convert it into offices. Auction House North West are marketing the Grade II-listed church on Blackburn Road with a guide price of £175,000 as a ‘commercial development’.

In January 2023, Bolton Council allowed permission for the building to be used as offices. The intention for that scheme was a three-storey structure of 11 office units, 68 work stations, and a café. It was hoped the space would be used for local businesses, start-ups, young entrepreneurs, and also provide educational and training areas for the community. However, that vision has yet to be completed.

The marketing for the online auction to be held on February 14 states the building ‘may suit alternative uses’. The church was originally built using corrugated iron, which is where the name comes from. It was replaced by the current building which was opened in 1897. The final congregation worshipped there in 1990 and the building has had a number of different uses since then, including an antiques centre, a furniture store and a wedding venue.

The Auction House marketing information, said: “The property briefly comprises a 19th century Grade II-listed purpose built semi-detached church of brick and stonework elevations beneath a timber framed pitched roof covered with slates. The church sits on a quarter acre site and has recently been refurbished and retains many original features such as carved stonework, stonework arches, stained glass windows and timber panelling. The main open plan space is fitted with a warm air space heater and feature pendant lighting with other rooms fitted with radiators.”

The spire of the church is currently let to a telecoms company with a lease until 2048.