One of the most historic buildings in Plymouth has been put on sale - and could become a cafe. The 16th Century Merchant’s House, in the city centre, is being sold by as it offloads a raft of properties to raise cash. The Grade II* listed building, in St Andrew’s Street, was last used as a museum but has been closed for more than a decade.
The council is prepared to sell the building or lease it long-term. The council said it would suit being turned into a “heritage attraction, a tea shop with an historic slant, or offices for a business”. The council’s preference would be to enable some form of public access and said it is looking for a “dynamic, sensitive and funded” company, individual or organisation which could give the building a “new and sympathetic lease of life”.
Cllr Chris Penberthy, cabinet member responsible for the city’s assets, said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly but we need to do something. We have invested millions in the Box and the Elizabethan House, but we currently have no use for this building and no prospect of funding to restore this house. “We very much hope some thinkers and doers with the finances and the wherewithal to take on a project like this will come forward.
The house has been closed for almost a decade and is slowly degrading over time. We hope this appeal will generate interest and open up new possibilities for this building.” The Merchant’s House is not the only building the council is trying to.
