Wellingborough was founded in the early 6th century and the town centre could soon be taking a step back in history says commercial property agent Prop-Search as shopkeepers are being encouraged to restore their buildings to their former glory.
Many of the buildings within the town’s core retail centre which encompasses Sheep Street, Silver Street, Market Street, Cambridge Street and parts of the High Street date back as far as the 17th century – with one of the oldest being the Grade II listed Hind Hotel, reputed to have provided accommodation for Oliver Cromwell.
Samantha Jones, an Agency Surveyor at Prop-Search, says: “Shops in these areas could be eligible for up to £20,000 through the Borough Council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to restore and repair their shop fronts by using natural products, to bring back the traditional market town features. Modern doors and windows could be replaced to be more in keeping with their historical past and large fascia signs swapped for something more traditional.”
A couple of new businesses have opened within the town centre during the past month. A new Chinese restaurant – Yumeijin – has commenced trading on Oxford Street in the premises formerly occupied by Royal Bento. Yumeijin has fully refurbished the ground floor restaurant area and offers a full a-la-carte menu.
At 3a Silver Street, Eve of Beauty has commenced trading, giving shoppers the opportunity to treat themselves to a range of treatments including waxing, facials, crystal healing, massages, Indian head massage, eyelash tinting, manicures and pedicures.
Limited opportunities now remain within town centre for small vacant shops, with the town continuing to experience good occupancy rates.
