what to do with shop space / high street ?
Discussion
Looking for ideas from you guys here, PH usually produces some good ideas 
We have a fairly large shop in a very good /just off high street/ position with around 12m of frontage & a total of 1500 sq ft of space.
It produces good results for us but we're out of space & need double this for our manufacturing side.
I don't really want to rent a separate unit & split the business up, that's not productive, but the shop is too large (and expensive) to have solely as a showroom.
My thoughts were to see if we could divide it into 4 or 6 display areas & rent them out to maybe double glazing, kitchen, carpet retailers. All in package including a person in the shop to pass on cards, call "HQ" etc if a customer needs advice.
Thoughts ?? would it work ?? Or maybe I could do something else with it - I really do not want to give it up
We have a fairly large shop in a very good /just off high street/ position with around 12m of frontage & a total of 1500 sq ft of space.
It produces good results for us but we're out of space & need double this for our manufacturing side.
I don't really want to rent a separate unit & split the business up, that's not productive, but the shop is too large (and expensive) to have solely as a showroom.
My thoughts were to see if we could divide it into 4 or 6 display areas & rent them out to maybe double glazing, kitchen, carpet retailers. All in package including a person in the shop to pass on cards, call "HQ" etc if a customer needs advice.
Thoughts ?? would it work ?? Or maybe I could do something else with it - I really do not want to give it up
You may wish to be aware that there are various options that are Permitted Development, with prior approval (including conversion to a dwelling).
Equus said:
You may wish to be aware that there are various options that are Permitted Development, with prior approval (including conversion to a dwelling).
Thanks I don't think we have a problem there, it's A1 retail now. We run an office, showroom and some light manufacturing in there & no problems at all with the authorities. It is rented but the landlord is a really nice, easy going guy & I am sure he is just happy to see it producing revenue for him and keeping the town alive Was thinking more in terms of your query about what else you could do with it.
But you've just clarified that you don't actually own it.
In terms of your idea of subdividing it, do bear in mind that in terms of Planning (and, indeed, business rates), this could be regarded as intensification of use... you could be seen as creating several 'planning units' instead of one, with consequent effect on parking requirements etc.
Your landlord would presumably have something to say about subletting, too, and want his extra pound of flesh from the deal?
But you've just clarified that you don't actually own it.
In terms of your idea of subdividing it, do bear in mind that in terms of Planning (and, indeed, business rates), this could be regarded as intensification of use... you could be seen as creating several 'planning units' instead of one, with consequent effect on parking requirements etc.
Your landlord would presumably have something to say about subletting, too, and want his extra pound of flesh from the deal?
Edited by Equus on Sunday 26th May 13:56
Equus said:
Was thinking more in terms of your query about what else you could do with it.
But you've just clarified that you don't actually own it.
In terms of your idea of subdividing it, do bear in mind that in terms of Planning (and, indeed, business rates), this could be regarded as intensification of use... you could be seen as creating several 'planning units' instead of one, with consequent effect on parking requirements etc.
Your landlord would presumably have something to say about subletting, too, and want his extra pound of flesh from the deal?
All good and valid points, thank you But you've just clarified that you don't actually own it.
In terms of your idea of subdividing it, do bear in mind that in terms of Planning (and, indeed, business rates), this could be regarded as intensification of use... you could be seen as creating several 'planning units' instead of one, with consequent effect on parking requirements etc.
Your landlord would presumably have something to say about subletting, too, and want his extra pound of flesh from the deal?
Edited by Equus on Sunday 26th May 13:56
I am sure the landlord would work with us, it would be a shame for it to stand empty & we all know how difficult it is to just retail in any town.j4ckos mate said:
You’ve done well making money on the high street.
Well done sir
We don't actually sell anything direct from the shop, it's a showroom for customers to browse, we then visit them and take orders. Plenty of people making a good living without it but it does produce ome good leads (and we get a few basket cases in there !!)Well done sir
If I thought there was a slot to retail from it, I would stock it up & staff it but I am susre that would be financial suicide.
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