Former fire station and chapel in Cambridgeshire sell at auction

The auction was held on December 7, and both properties sold for more than the guide prices attributed to them.

The former community fire station, in particular, exceeded its guide price of £250,000 and sold for £312,000.

Director at Cheffins, Ian Kitson, said: “The fire station in Papworth Everard saw much presale attention and has potential for use as offices or even for residential, subject to planning consent.

"We had a number of different bidders all competing for this unusual lot, with it eventually achieving well over its guide price, which is a fantastic result for the sellers."

The large tarmacked yard of the former fire station. (Image: Cheffins)

The late 1950s building was sold to an investor buyer, having become available following the relocation of the fire service from Papworth Everard to Cambourne in March 2022.

Ian said: "The building came available to buy following Papworth Hospital’s relocation to Cambridge, following this, the fire station became surplus to requirements, and the fire service struggled to encourage enough volunteers."

The building is more than 1,900 sq ft and has a large, tarmacked yard, and internally, there is the main fire appliance hall, an office, stores and staff facilities.

Cheffins sold the fire station on behalf of the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, who will receive the money from the sale.

Before the auction, a Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "The funds will be re-invested in fire stations across the county to ensure they remain fit for purpose for a modern fire and rescue service.”

The fire service has said they will comment further on the sale once it has finished processing and gone through.

The Mepal Union Chapel also received significant bidding, selling for £180,000 against an estimate of £150,000.

The chapel has vaulted ceilings at a peak height of over five metres and an entrance lobby. (Image: Cheffins)

Dating from the 1850s, the chapel was sold to a local investor and offered freehold and the potential for a range of other uses. 

The property includes a kitchen, a pair of cloakrooms with a wash hand basin and a toilet. 

Ian added: "The results of this sale go to show that investors are still very much in the market for land, commercial and residential properties, especially those that are unique and offer buyers a blank canvas."