A FORMER lap dancing club in Huddersfield has been sold at auction for more than £200,000.

Auctioneer Eddisons reported strong interest in the property formerly called The Pussycat Lounge, in Kirkgate.

The building sold for £203,000 – well above the £150,000 guide price, but down on the £300,00 sought when it was originally marketed.

Eddisons said the buyer had asked to remain anonymous at this stage, but had confirmed that he plans to turn the building into a restaurant.

The premises, which date back to 1911, have been identified by Chris Marsden, chairman of Huddersfield Civic Society, as one of the town’s neglected jewels.

The Pussycat Lounge, which was previously The Kirkgate pub for many years, was sold on behalf of administrators.

Tony Webber, of Eddisons, said: “The property enjoys a prominent location close to the Huddersfield ring road.

“It may be suitable for alternative uses, including restaurant or leisure facilities, subject to planning – factors which were reflected in the price achieved.”

The building was one of 110 lots to find buyers out of 159 offered for sale at the two-day auction held in Manchester and Leeds.

The sale generated proceeds exceeding £8.2m.

Mr Webber said sales on 11 more properties had been agreed since the auction – indicating that investor confidence is increasing.

Interest was high in all categories including land, commercial sites, tenanted shops and vacant and tenanted houses.

Said Mr Webber: “This was an exceptionally strong performance in what is normally a quiet period as people’s attention turns to holidays.”