Belvoir’s old workshops now shops
Former workshops used to house maintenance equipment for the Belvoir estate have been transformed into 12,000 square feet of retail space.
The Idle Mole plant centre was the first phase of the development to open in March and now eight retailers will occupy the newly opened Engine Yard, which cost £2.4m to convert. Butchercum-farm shop The Country Victuallers, chocolatier Cocoa Amore, speciality coffee producers Cherizena, craft and toy store Crafts4kids and homewares retailer Margo and Plum are among the new shops.
It will also include the Duchess’ Gallery, featuring a range of clothing, accessories and gifts curated by the Duchess of Rutland, CEO of Belvoir Castle.
“Our aim was always to turn these once-dilapidated buildings into an area to be enjoyed by the local community and to showcase the very best the region has to offer to visitors,” said the Duchess.
Plans are underway to add a country sports shop, stocking shooting and fishing kit, and an antiques shop to the Engine Yard.
The space will also host a “wellness wagon” – a restored gypsy caravan offering holistic therapies and treatments.
Seasonal events will be hosted during the year. In the run-up to Christmas, there will be wreath making, gingerbread house making and food workshops. An outdoor Christmas market is also being held from 6-10 December.