A major retail building in the cathedral city of Salisbury has been given a new lease of commercial life.
The ground floor of 30 Fisherton Street, on one of the main shopping thoroughfares, has been let through regional commercial property consultancy Myddelton & Major.
A 10-year lease was signed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) on the 8,250 sq ft (766.42 sq m) showroom.
In what will be the largest facility of its kind in Salisbury, the BHF Furniture & Electrical store will be selling quality second-hand and new furniture and electrical goods from July 9.
Simon Lee, the retail property specialist with Salisbury-based Myddelton & Major, acted for landlord Land Securities Group plc in London.
He said: “This is a significant letting for Salisbury, breathing new life into premises which had lain empty for more than 18 months as the former Mortimers bar.
“BHF is a quality retailer, with a key presence in many city centres and attracting impressive footfall which would be the envy of many an established chain.
“This great organisation is contributing to the fact that Salisbury has one of the lowest vacant store averages in the UK.
“BHF has raised its retail game, changing perceptions about high street charity shops for the better. Discerning shoppers are able to access high street brands, with the emphasis on value.”
Myddelton & Major, recently named the most active agent in Wiltshire by property ‘bible’ Estates Gazette, works for a wide range of clients across the central southern region.
BHF was represented by Winchester-based Philip Bury & Co.
Paul Pritchard, the area manager for BHF Furniture & Electrical stores, said: “We’re so pleased with the success of the new Salisbury store and we’ve had great support from volunteers in the local community.
“All the money raised from sales helps to fund the BHF’s fight for every heartbeat and we hope that even more people will come down to the Salisbury store and take a look at the bargains on offer.
“We’re still in need of more donations and are appealing to everyone in the local community to have a root around their home and donate any unwanted items.”
Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer.
For more than 50 years the BHF has pioneered research which has transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions.
Its work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease.
All the funds raised in the Salisbury BHF Furniture and Electrical store will help the BHF fund this research and continue its fight for every heartbeat.
Lease details were not disclosed.
