A historic church in Whitehaven is set to go under the hammer.

The former Methodist church on Lowther Street, is to be auctioned on December 10 with a guide price of £60,000 to £70,000.

The Grade II listed Gothic church has planning consent for conversion into a single, luxury home.

The auction will be held on December 10 (Image: Supplied) It will be among 177 properties and plots of land in the next online live-streamed auction by SDL Property Auctions, part of Eddisons.

The church, which was built for congregation of 800, opened in 1878. 

It served the Whitehaven community until it closed in 1996 due to dwindling numbers and the need for expensive repairs.

The church originally opened in 1878 (Image: Supplied) Andrew Parker, auctioneer and partner at SDL Property Auctions, said: "This landmark historic church has planning permission from Cumberland Council for conversion into a single luxury dwelling and we believe it could also be suitable for a variety of alternative uses."

"A residential scheme, or conversion of the church to a bar, restaurant, retail, or community uses might be viable.

"Redevelopment as a dance or fitness studio could also work well, subject to a buyer gaining the appropriate consents."

The church has planning consent for conversion into a single, luxury home. (Image: Supplied) Mr Parker added: "It is something of a landmark building, with many interesting Gothic architectural features, and it would be great to see it become an asset to Whitehaven once again."

For more information about the former church, or to register to bid remotely online, on the phone or by proxy, go to sdlauctions.co.uk.

The auction will be live streamed online on December 10, with bidder registration closing on December 9.