A FORMER medical facility for the shipyard in Barrow has been put on sale with agents asking for offers around £400,000.

The estate agent Herdman Homes believes this is an opportunity to develop the former Cavendish Villas, which are a pair of listed sandstone buildings set in some 2.35 acres of land.

Early architect indications suggest 30 new build homes is achievable.

Situated in close proximity to BAE Systems the site, once developed, would make ideal accommodation for the booming shipyard operation currently building Dreadnought-class submarines.

The subject site extends along Buccleuch Dock Road and currently comprises former residential accommodation that has now become dilapidated with associated landscaping.

The land offers the potential for development to alternative uses, early architect indications suggest 30 new build homes is achievable in the some 2.35 acres of land subject to planning and prospective purchasers should contact Barrow Borough Council Planning Department.

The two villas were built in around 1872 and were designed by Lancaster-based architects Paley and Austin, who also designed the flats on Michaelson Road.

At the time they were built, the impressive properties overlooked the expansive Cavendish Park which included tennis courts and a cricket field.

However, as the shipyard’s footprint has expanded, the mansions are now hedged in on all sides by a heavily industrial area.

Most recently, the building to the right was used as a medical centre for the shipyard while the other was used by the sea cadets for half a century before they moved out in 2004. Both were owned by the shipyard at the time.

Paley and Austin also designed a number of other notable buildings in the area including Ramsden Square buildings and Ulverston Railway Station.