HISTORIC LANDMARK GOING UNDER THE HAMMER

ONE of the main gateways into Warwick is due to go under the hammer today.

The Eastgate, which is more than 500 years old and a grade two listed building, is up for auction with a reserve price of £125,000.

But residents are worried a new buyer may not preserve it and could be snapped up for use as an apartment, office or even a wine bar.

Around 140 people have signed a petition to save the gatehouse which dates back to the mid
15th century.

John Walker, 69, of Primrose Hill, who is leading the petition, said: “The Eastgate remains a symbol of Warwick and it should be preserved.

“Within two weeks of starting this petition, more than 100 people have signed it from all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.

“It’s not entirely clear if the auction will find a new buyer because there are a lot of costs, nearly a quarter of a million, on top of the asking price to work on the building.

“There are no facilities inside, such as electricity or drains, so all that would have to be put in.

“It would be good if a trust could be set up to preserve it, perhaps we could get lottery funding.”

The current owner, a London businessman, put the Eastgate up for sale with Hawkesford
Estate Agents in January.

Since then there have been viewings twice a week from buyers with ideas of converting it into a private dining hall, private home, architect’s office or a two-bedroomed apartment.

Planning applications for a wine bar, cafe or restaurant will also be considered once it is purchased.

The Warwick Society, who aim to preserve an historic town, said the cost of repairing the Eastgate is very high.

Chairman James Mackay said: “We hope very much that the building will be in safe hands and we hope that the district council and English Heritage will respect its grade two status when a new buyer is found.

“But there is a very large negative number with the gate because so much needs to be done to conserve and repair it, which is expensive.”

The Eastgate, one of only two remaining gates within the town, has a reception area, hallway, cloakroom, two further rooms and a clock tower.

Three of its large rooms were used as classrooms by King’s High School for Girls from 1879, but it sold the building for about £90,000 five years ago.

A petition to preserve the Eastgate will be handed in to Warwick District Council on April 28.

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