It’s been a grocer’s, a chemist’s, a shoe shop and a games emporium ... what’s next for historic building?
THE new owner of a historic Burton building which currently houses a games shop is inviting ideas for what it could become next.
The ground floor of number 102 High Street, on the corner of Horninglow Street, was snapped up at auction by Burton businessman John Davis for £90,000.
Mr Davis has not yet made up his mind what it should become but believes it could make a prosecco and tapas bar. The first and second floors have already been converted into flats.
Curent occupier Spirit Games leaves the property at the end of the month.
The distinctive Grade Ii-listed building boasts one of the last remaining original shop fronts in Burton, with big bowfronted windows.
Mr Davis said: “I had been looking for a property for while.
“I refurbish properties in Swadlincote, such as 12 to 14 West Street [shops], and a home off Cadley Hill Road and in Oversetts Road, Newhall.
“I put my bid in and was lucky enough to get it.
“I haven’t made up my mind on what I want to do with it yet because of the current climate. I know there are flats above, so I might refurbish and make flats downstairs and a shop, or maybe introduce a Prosecco and tapas bar and restaurant as there aren’t many of those around here.
“I don’t know whether I would take on the business myself with a manager or sell it. I will have to make sure it is sustainable.”
If anyone has any ideas for the property they are invited to email Mr Davis at lorem.estates@gmail.com
Number 102 High Street is believed to have been in existence shortly before 1869 when it was grocery and chemist shop Ratcliff and Wright.
By 1880 it became druggist, chemist, and “family grocers” Wright and Son with a newspaper advert saying the firm was offering Bass ales and stout at a “reduced price” from 3s.
It remained as Wright and Son for another 50 years when, in 1930, in an article headlined “Business changes hands”, it says: “One of Burton’s oldest business houses... is now a registered private company under the name of Wright and Son with a nominal capital of £4,000. The directors are Mr TW Sread, of Hessenford, Branston Road, Burton, and Miss ES Maddocks, of 9, Derby Road Burton.”
Then in 1965, in an article headlined “Purchase of Bargates business and property” it is revealed that its longstanding history as a chemist was to come to an end after 100 years.
The article reads: “The old-established business of Wright and Son together with the freehold property has been purchased by Messrs Raybould and Sons the Burton chartered auctioneers and estate agents on behalf of a London development company Clarebrooke Properties Ltd.
“The sale shop and ground floor premises will shortly be reopened by Fosters Wine Merchants Ltd.
“The former chemist department has been transferred to Mr DE Stanier of 83 High Street, Burton. The remainder of the premises will be shortly be available for offices and professional consulting rooms.”
By 1974 it was Burton Lighting Centre for at least 30 years, and a newspaper advert in 1999 said it became Footwear Direct. Then, in 2014, gaming shop Spirit Games moved in having left its home in Station Street.
However, Spirit Games will leave the premises next month, blaming online competition, unsuccessful rent negotiations and more and more games being created for the demise of the shop side of its business. It will still remain trading online, however.
I haven’t made up my mind on what I want to do with it yet because of the current climate.
John Davis