Auction News: Will the Western Undercliff Lift elevate your interest?

Clive Emson's auctions often include the unusual and this December’s auction is no different. With Christmas just round the corner perhaps Lot 12 is one you could buy for your loved one?

Western undercliff auction

 

It’s an interesting piece of real estate and believed to be have been built circa 1926. The Western Undercliff Lift in Ramsgate certainly has the feel of Art Deco comprising a Grade II listed lift shaft with recessed central panel infilled with coloured glass graded from dark blue at the base (Royal Harbour Approach Road) to white at the top (Westcliff Promenade) divided into three stages by cross panels. At the base and to the right hand side of the lift shaft is the engine house.

 

 

Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert said: "The lift is thought to have been designed by Sir John Burnet and partners in 1926.

"The shaft comprises a central panel infilled with coloured glass and the sale includes the engine house with the old machinery.

"In its day the lift could carry 20 passengers and is certainly a building that makes a statement.

"It’ll be interesting to see who bids and what their plans might be for this structure."

It is being offered at their online auction, bids closing Wednesday 15 December with a freehold pre-auction guide price of £20,000 Plus (Seagulls not included!).

 

Meanwhile, the former Western Undercliff Cafe and toilets are also up for grabs - after plans were granted permission for development.

The scheme includes a new café and toilets, eight flats with balconies and sea views as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant.

The flats would be a mix of two- and three- bedroom apartments and the design harks back slightly to the area’s art deco heyday.

Auction appraiser Jon Rimmer said: "This is a proposed development that will bring much needed accommodation as well as a café and restaurant/bar.

The freehold auction guide price for the lot is £500,000 to 550,000.