Herald Express (Newton & Teign Edition)
Drinks wholesaler confirms purchase of Elektron building
THE new owner of a landmark former manufacturing building in Torquay is working on plans to redevelop the derelict site.
The former Elektron building, once home to one of Torbay’s biggest workforces, has been sold to leading drinks wholesaler Tolchards Ltd for an undisclosed sum.
Tolchards chairman Jim Mardell, said: “I am happy to confirm Tolchards has acquired the site and we are now working through options with our architects”
Tolchards is currently based in a neighbouring building in Woodland Road.
The building, on the Woodland Trading Estate near Asda, has been vacant for several years. In recent years it has become blighted by anti-social behaviour, vandalism, rubbish and drug-taking.
Paul Bettesworth, director at Torbay estate agent Bettesworths, said: “We are delighted to have successfully marketed and sold this site for our long-standing client, Panther PLC.”
The Elektron site was once home to Sifam. It was taken over by Elektron Instruments Limited in 2007. The existing three-storey property was built in the 1960s. It has office space and a 50 space car park to the rear.
“The building in its current configuration is beyond economic revival, so it is exciting that Tolchards will be working on redeveloping this prime commercial site,” said Mr Bettesworth.
The sale, which had a guide price in the region of £1 million, will bring an end to long-running uncertainty about the site’s future.
In 2021, Torbay Council approved an application to demolish the building and replace it with two industrial units.