Iconic former police box put up for sale at auction
Auction House Scotland is set to auction off an iconic former police box in a Scottish city. These Tardis-like boxes, designed by city architect Ebenezer MacRae, were first introduced in 1933 and originally served as police outposts. Today, out of the 142 boxes that were initially scattered throughout the capital, only 75 remain and continue to serve as distinctive landmarks in Edinburgh.
Over the years, entrepreneurs in Edinburgh have repurposed these unique structures into quirky business spaces. They have transformed the boxes into various establishments, such as an ice cream parlor at the top of Grassmarket and an art haven known as the smallest gallery in Scotland on the edge of Meadows Park.
One of these former police boxes has recently undergone a complete revamp and is now selling Detroit pizza by the slice. The pop-up, which opened in August, offers good vibes and pizza pies and features modern utilities such as electricity supply, water connection, and drainage.
The auctioneers believe that the prime location of this box on Rose Street makes it an excellent opportunity for those who wish to continue using it as a food stop. Rose Street is famous for its vibrant drinking scene and attracts a significant amount of foot traffic, particularly from those who have participated in ‘The Rose Street Challenge’ and are in need of sustenance.
This auction marks the second time that Auction House Scotland has sold one of these historic police boxes this year. In September, a box situated close to the Royal Botanic Gardens fetched £38,500 at auction, exceeding its initial guide price by £16,000.
The former police box is scheduled to go to auction on Thursday, December 14, with a guide price of £25,000. Auction House Scotland predicts strong demand for the property from both small business operators and commercial landlords and encourages interested parties to express their interest early.
This news will undoubtedly pique the interest of those looking for a unique opportunity to invest in a distinctive piece of Edinburgh’s architectural history. Whether it continues to serve as a food stop or takes on a different role altogether, this former police box holds immense potential for creative entrepreneurs or those seeking a one-of-a-kind landmark property.
As the auction approaches, both local and international buyers will be watching closely to see who successfully acquires this iconic former police box.
