A SECTION of a historic building that was previously home to the 'Royal Library' in Malvern is set to go under the hammer.

The Grade II-listed property on Worcester Road was built as a library in 1818 for visitors to the town and received its ‘Royal’ name following a visit by the then Princess Victoria in 1830.

Historians have long contended that the existence of this single building, which later became a landmark Barclays Bank branch, resulted in Great Malvern rather than Malvern Wells blossoming into a town.

Ian Tudor, commercial auction director of Bond Wolfe, said that the 2-4 Worcester Road part of the building is now appearing in Bond Wolfe’s live-streamed on Thursday, May 16, with a guide price of £275,000.

Mr Tudor said: “This attractive and vacant ground floor property occupies a prominent position fronting the A449 Worcester Road near its junction with Church Street.

“These Grade II-listed former bank premises comprise of a former banking hall arranged over ground and basement levels with a small mezzanine.

“The property is a virtual freehold, with 999 years leasehold, and is suitable for variety of alternative uses including restaurant, bar, coffee shop, offices, showroom or retail, subject to planning permission.”