The building by the canal that played a crucial role in Greater Manchester’s history to be put on auction

A building by the canal with more than 100 years of history is being put up for auction in Saddleworth, Oldham.

The Transhipment Warehouse off Wool Road in Dobcross sits directly on a picturesque spot on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and was once a crucial part of the area’s industrial boom. 

The single-storey building was originally used as a loading shed for the nearby Stonebottom Mill, built in the 1820s. After the closure of the mill and the end of canal transportation, the building was left empty until its fortunes were revived by the Saddleworth Historical Society.

Since 2009, the building has served as an office and meeting space for the Huddersfield Canal Society, who won grants to restore the space. 

But now the riverside property is looking for a new lease of life. Due to go under the hammer in an online auction held by Auction House, it’s been listed for a guide price of £37,500. 

It currently encompasses an entrance hall, meeting room, office, kitchen and W.C., with the auctioneers claiming the warehouse could ‘continue its life as a unique office base’. 

A description of the listing went on: “Alternatively, with the right permissions, it could be transformed into an appealing holiday let. With sliding doors that open directly over the water, the property would offer holidaymakers unequalled and uninterrupted views over the charming scenery.” 

The auctioneers claim they are looking for someone ‘seeking a truly unique office, a base & mooring for a boater or as a holiday rental property’.

There are currently no mooring rights at the property but the seller claims they’ve been verbally advised by the Canal and River Trust’s Mooring Manager that he could see no reason why end of garden mooring rights would not be granted.

James Pank, Auctioneer of Auction House Manchester, added: “Though not formally listed, the warehouse holds great historic value and character. It also boasts exceptional waterside scenery, which both workers and holidaymakers could enjoy. With its unique position and distinctive structure, it

would be a great fit for a business hunting for an office with a view or a boating enthusiast.”

The building will go under the hammer via a livestream at 12pm on October 21.