STATE OF DISREPAIR
Inside Iran’s abandoned £4million consulate in Cheshire left untouched for 21 years and now an ‘eyesore’
Pictures show the state of the former consulate after spate of vandalism
IRAN'S "eyesore" consulate in Manchester was once worth £4million - now it's sat abandoned for 21 years.
The mock-Tudor mansion, near Altrincham, Cheshire, used to be thriving - often hosting important diplomatic meetings and massive lavish parties.
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Masses would swarm to its banquets and fill its rooms.
But today, it sits empty and is a mere shell of its former glory.
Panelling has been ripped from its walls and there are no windows in sight.
It's been the target of arson attacks and smashed-up caravans covered in grafitti also sit nearby.
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The massive was built around 1900 and it was thought to have been bought by the Iranian Government in the 1970s.
Iran's consul-general resided there at one stage and it saw the "biggest parties in Manchester".
Amir Barik, a senior lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, who also used to work for the consulate previously told the BBC: "The biggest parties in Manchester used to take place in that house."
Its grounds were always immaculate and well cared for, and it was an important site in the neighbourhood.
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The grand mansion had a swimming pool and greenhouses, which were enjoyed for decades.
Paul Lord, from Dunham Massey Parish Council, said in 2015: "We used to look after the grounds for them.
"I used to help one of the farmers - cutting the grass, keeping the trees in order.
"But that was years ago. Probably the only thing that can be done now is flatten it."
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The sprawling consulate itself would play host to all sorts of lush gatherings - until it didn't.
In 2005, when relations between the UK and the Iranian republic collapsed, it was abandoned.
And the mansion has sat empty ever since.
In the years that followed it attracted antisocial behaviour - to the disgust of its neighbours.
The one-gorgeous mansion has continued falling into disrepair, falling to bits year-on-year.
Then, in 2011, the grand building became the victim of arson attacks.
One fire ripped through the building, seeing parts of the roof collapse.
Timeline
1900 - Massive property built
1970s - Bought by Iranian Government
2005 - Property abandoned
2011 - Arson attacks
Today - Shell of its former glory
In another, the two upper floors were said to have crashed down into the basement.
Its grounds are completely overgrown with rubbish seen littered around.
Vandals and thieves frequent the spot, and squatters have been known to stay there in the past.
Parts of the home has been pulled to bits, with holes all through its roof.
John Costello, head brewer at the nearby Dunham Massey Brewery, told the BBC previously: "It seems to get more and more damaged every year but it's not something that you really know about."
Local politicians once told the Mail the mansion could be worth £4m if it was refurbished.
Due to the sprawling mansion being owned by Iran, and classed as a conservation area, Trafford Council have not been able to touch it.
Council officials had been hoping to enter into talks with Iranian authorities of restoring the decrepit building after it was ravaged by flames in 2011.
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However, a breakdown in communication between Britain and Iran saw these plans squashed.
The future of the property appears uncertain.
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