A landmark Victorian building in the heart of Knutsford, once home to auction house Wright Marshall, is on the verge of an exciting transformation. Plans to repurpose the Grade-II listed Marshall House into a wedding and event venue have been recommended for approval by Cheshire East’s northern planning committee.
From Auction Hall to Aisle of Love
Marshall House, situated on Church Hill, is steeped in local history. Built in 1893 to serve as a Church of England school, the site has seen many lives — most notably as a prominent auctioneers for over four decades until 2019. Now, One London Road Ltd hopes to write its next chapter as a multi-functional events space, including weddings, corporate events, office use, a bar, and a restaurant.
The application includes extensions to the rear and side of the building, while aiming to retain the building’s core architectural charm.
Planning Officer: “Less Than Substantial Harm”
In a planning report, the Cheshire East Council planning officer acknowledged the sensitive nature of converting a listed building. Although some original elements will be altered or lost, including external modifications for extensions, the report found that the development would result in “less than substantial harm” to the historic integrity of the site and its surroundings.
Ultimately, planners concluded that the benefits outweigh the impact, especially given the building’s prominent location in Knutsford’s conservation area and its long-standing vacancy.
Economic Boost for Knutsford
The venue promises a wave of local economic benefits, including:
- 20 to 30 construction jobs, many involving apprenticeships.
- 30 to 40 permanent roles once the venue opens.
- Increased visitor footfall supporting shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels in the area.
“Both contractors and operational staff will contribute to local spending,” the report noted, citing the potential for significant knock-on economic effects throughout Knutsford town centre.
Parking and Accessibility
The site plan includes 19 parking spaces, with:
- Four disabled-access spots
- Two electric vehicle charging bays
Service deliveries will take place from the rear, with access via Princess Street, minimizing disruption to Church Hill traffic.
Final Decision Set for April 23
The proposal — along with an accompanying listed building consent application — is set to be reviewed at Cheshire East’s planning committee meeting on April 23 at 10 a.m. in Macclesfield Town. Given the officer’s recommendation for approval, the future looks bright for this historic site.
If passed, the plan will breathe new life into a cherished local landmark, offering a unique venue where modern celebrations meet timeless architecture — right in the heart of Cheshire.
