End of an era as emporium is sold off
CORNISH chain Mounts Bay Trading Co is officially no more with the last of its shops due to be sold at auction.
The company, founded in Penzance in 1978, closed its Truro shop in 2018 and its Exeter one in 2019. Now its original and last shop on the West Cornwall town’s Causewayhead will also be gone for good.
The four-floor emporium is to be sold at auction early next month on the instructions of the liquidators with a guide price of £180,000.
Paul Heather, from Charles Darrow estate agents, which is handling the sale, said the property in the heart of Penzance was ripe for housing redevelopment.
He said: “It’s the end of an era, but the start of new possibilities.
“Mounts Bay Trading Company, known for its eclectic mix of clothing, home and garden furniture, and gifts, has closed its doors after a remarkable 44 years of service to the community.
“This property isn’t just a building. It’s a piece of Penzance’s commercial heritage.”
Mr Heather said the property itself is somewhat dilapidated, but remains a “characterful building spread across four floors”.
The ground floor’s double-fronted shop, originally two units, leads to additional sales space and facilities. Dual staircases ascend to an openplan first-floor sales area, with the upper floors providing extensive storage capabilities.
At the rear, the property extends to the Clarence Street pay and display car park and includes a quaint external yard.
Its potential for commercial, residential, or mixed-use development is subject to planning approval.
The auction will take place on May 2. For more information visit www.networkauctions.co.uk/ property/?lot_id=243115
❝❝ This property isn’t just a building. It’s a piece of Penzance’s commercial heritage Paul Heather