Prime Newark premises snapped-up

Lincoln-based Chartered Surveyor Banks Long & Co has announced it has let prime shop premises in a busy market town to an expanding health food business.

Holland & Barrett has snapped-up numbers 16 and 17 Stodman Street in Newark. The premises which include a trading area of 1,679 sq ft, were previously occupied by the menswear business Burton.

The news is good for shoppers and Holland & Barrett’s current team, which is moving to a much more prominent site than its current St Mark’s Street shop, and also being joined by another sales associate.

The new shop is due to welcome its first customers on Wednesday, April 12.

An Holland & Barrett spokeswoman said: “We will be in a much more visible location and close to popular shops such as Marks & Spencer and Costa.  The store’s sales will increase due to the improved range that will be available in our larger shop.”

The company said there will be “no gap” between the closure of the current store and the opening of the new one.

Banks Long & Co Director James Butcher said: “Newark has a population of 35,000 people and the town serves a large catchment of around 160,000.  Its close proximity to the A1 and the fact that it is also served by the East Coast mainline, means this destination is particular attractive to new and relocating retailers.

“We are delighted to report that there was considerable interest in the Stodman Street unit, which reflects the strength of the local marketplace, and we are pleased to note that this is an expansion for Holland & Barrett.”