On the hunt for a real fixer-upper?

A landmark former church in one of Cork city’s most sought-after areas has hit the market for €375,000 – roughly the kind of money buyers might expect to spend on a three-bedroom home in the city’s wider property market.

But there is, of course, a fairly significant catch.

The former St Vincent’s Church on Sunday’s Well Road is a 170-year-old landmark extending to approximately 1,170 sq m, and whoever takes it on will need plenty of determination – and a serious appetite for renovation and redevelopment.

The property is being brought to the market by Lisney on behalf of the Vincentian Fathers, with the €375,000 asking price representing an intriguing opportunity for someone prepared to take on a very different kind of property project.

And there is certainly plenty to work with.

Constructed in the 1850s, the impressive red sandstone building retains a host of original architectural features, including cut limestone finials, quoins, ornate tiling, timberwork and decorative detailing.

Inside, the scale of the former church is immediately apparent, with its central nave, elevated ceiling and clerestory glazing.

Perhaps the most spectacular feature is the Great East Window, a huge five-light stained glass composition, while a further three-light stained glass window sits above the entrance vestibule and organ gallery.

There are also stained glass windows running along both side aisles, while the former choir gallery, altar and substantial sacristy remain in place.

The property also includes a former community centre at lower-ground-floor level, with direct access to a south-facing garden.

Outside, there is an adjoining 18-space car park, currently held under licence by a car park operator, along with the 0.58-acre site.

The location is another major selling point. The church occupies a prominent elevated position on Sunday’s Well Road, overlooking the Mardyke and Cork city centre, and is around 1km from the city centre. The adjoining former Vincentian Seminary is now home to UCC’s School of Music.

It is worth stressing, however, that the scale, age and condition of the building mean this would be a major project, while its status as a Landmark Building and its location within an Architectural Conservation Area add further considerations for any future plans.

That said, the planning designation does leave the door open to a range of possibilities.

Under the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, the property is zoned Sustainable Residential Neighbourhood, with provision for residential uses alongside community, educational, institutional and civic uses, subject to planning permission and the necessary consents.

So, while €375,000 might sound surprisingly affordable for such a substantial building in this location, it is very much a case of buying the potential rather than buying a finished property.

For the right person, though – someone with real vision, deep pockets for the works and plenty of determination – the chance to breathe new life into a historic Cork landmark could be difficult to resist.

The former St Vincent’s Church is being offered at €375,000 through Lisney. See more images from inside here.