Wellington’s landmark water towers have been sold at auction for more than double their reserve price to a new owner who aims to turn at least one into a spectacular home.The towers fetched £66,000 after rival bidding by two interested parties. Bidding began at £25,000 and the successful bid came from an agent who gave his name only as Kirisna.
He was acting for a London-based developer. When asked about the new owner’s plan for the towers Krisna said, “It will probably be a residential development.” He declined to give the name of the buyer.
Any development of the two Grade Two listed buildings as residential conversions will need a considerable investment but there is also potential for a ‘Grand Designs’ project. The brick-built tower is Victorian, dating from 1885 with a distinctive conical cap, weather vane and some elaborate brickwork.
Its neighbour is a circular four-storey concrete Art Deco style construction dating from 1934. At present the spectacular views from the upper levels over Wellington and Rockwell Green can only be accessed via ladders.
The towers were sold as the final lot in an auction of more than twenty properties, plots of land and reservoirs belonging to Wessex Wate. A smaller plot in Rockwell Green – Pitt Farm – also found a buyer and is likely to be converted to residential use.
Asked whether the price paid for the towers was in line with his expectations, the agent said, “It’s always difficult to predict how bidding will go – but I’m satisfied.” Whilst the new owner’s identity remains a mystery, the towers themselves should be given a new lease of life and a major landmark revived after decades of neglect.
Gill Paltridge
Have they been converted
No
locals have been trying to find out who owns them but to date nobody has been able to find out.
Now you know: Wessex Wate. …
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JimD
Sorry to correct you. It was Wessex Water who sod them
The misspelling was in the original article above, Mark:
“… belonging to Wessex Wate. A smaller plot … “