Retail Unit 1-3 Brabster Street Thurso Caithness The Thriving Town Of Thurso, KW14 7AP

Substantial retail unit set in an excellent trading location on the popular North Coast 500 route. The unit would suit a wide range of uses, subject to planning consents.

• Deceptively spacious retail outlet in a desirable and prominent trading location on the popular North Coast 500 tourist route within the thriving Highland town of Thurso.

• Extending over 2 floors, the property has a substantial internal area covering circa 450m2.

• The unit would suit a wide range of retail or other uses, including mixed use, subject to planning consents where necessary.

• Desirable corner site with multiple access points, this unit was previously a restaurant and could be considered a prime opportunity for such a purpose in the future.

• Excellent shop frontage offering a superb branding platform in a prominent location.

• Being offered as a non-trading entity but the owners would be prepared to sell as a going concern if sought.

DESCRIPTION

Comprising of a substantial retail unit over 2 floors, the subjects are situated on a busy thoroughfare with a substantial frontage and window display (c11.3m). All aspects of the building are being used in support of an existing fabric shop which offers an extensive range of high-quality fabrics, soft furnishings, blinds, readymade curtains, curtain hardware and bed linens. In addition, they sell an extensive range of Haberdashery, sewing accessories, dressmaking fabrics and knitting yarns. The current business has been in situ for about 25 years and it is only due to retirement that this superlative trading location is presented to the market as a non-trading entity. The business and support areas extend to an impressive 450m2 with the available space being evenly split over two floors. Both floors have their own bathroom facilities and staff areas therefore could be considered for a number of diverse business operations (retail, office, food and beverage etc.). A key aspect to this unit are the large open plan sales areas providing for a number of potential uses; purchasers will be required to take advice on change of use from the Highland Council should this be their intention.

TRADE

The business is being presented to the market as a non-trading entity. However, where potential purchasers were interested in taking over the trading elements as seen, stock could be acquired at cost. Anyone interested in purchasing the trading elements and desire further details will be made available upon request. The business operates a website at www.elizabethsfabrics.co.uk.

LOCATION

This property is located adjacent to the town centre on the busy route heading through Thurso. The shop occupies a corner site and benefits from a most prominent frontage with excellent display windows. The business fronts the North Coast 500 tourist route and would therefore be an ideal trading base for a tourism centred activity. The site would also be a superb trading location for a variety of other trading activities. The town has a good mix of traditional shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, the well-known River Thurso flows through the town attracting salmon fishers from all over. The area is also well known for surfing, hosting surfing championships, as well as offering various other outdoor pursuits. There are many things to do and see in Thurso, including the 5-star visitor attraction, Caithness Horizons, and many other places of interest. There is a popular and attractive sandy beach with spectacular views across to Orkney and Dunnet Head. Thurso has excellent education facilities plus a wide range of social and welfare facilities. There is a mainline railway station in Thurso and close by are ferry ports which offer sailings to Orkney and the Shetland Islands.

ACCOMMODATION

Of stone construction with modern extensions the building dates from the early 1900s. Set over two floors, the property offers a flexible operating space which could be suitable to a wide range of applications. The main public entrance is via double doors at street level from St Georges Street and there is a secondary entrance on Brabster Street. Upon entry via the front entrance there is a large open plan sales area set to an 'L' shape. There is a store off the shop sales area which was previously used as a beer cellar. Further into the unit is a counter which has a door to the rear leading to a further sales space; this area is also accessed through a large opening further into the shop. To the rear of the sales area is a spacious office facility. From the main sales area is a hallway which gives access to the secondary entrance and also gents and ladies W.C.s; the former is currently being utilised as a store. Stairs lead to the first floor where there is a reception area. Off this open space are large ladies and gents W.C.s. Also, there is a secondary office (currently used as internet and post preparation area). Passing through a large doorway is a further very spacious open plan sales area which is similar to the ground floor unit and also set to an 'L' shape. This large sales space is laid to a wooden floor. To the rear first floor aspects is a changing area. Moving into the sales space is a large room to the right which is currently used as a dress-making room. To the front aspects and off the sales area is a staff space comprising of a rest room and kitchenette. From here there are fire stairs that return to the ground floor.

SERVICES

The premises are connected to mains water, electricity and drainage services. The building utilises central heating supplemented by free-standing electric heaters. There is also ample public car parking close by.