Winchester-based Gentian has been making improvements to its Winchester High Street portfolio. Recent work has included spending £42,000 on external works to Mountain Warehouse. The Fat Face building has also been fully refurbished, at a cost of £225,000. Gentian has also agreed to remove a 2024 tenant break in Fat Face's lease which secures the lifestyle brand's High Street occupation for 5 more years.
Works are currently underway at No 7 High Street, the building formerly occupied by Closs & Hamblin. Gentian was left with a large dilapidations bill after Closs & Hamblin went into liquidation in February and the current works include making repairs to the building which will benefit the tenants who include Rick Stein.
The refurbishment is being carried out by local contractors SM5, who have worked on many of Gentian's Winchester properties. The 15,500 sq ft building is currently on the market to let with Goadsby and RK Real Estate and is receiving strong interest from hospitality operators and retailers.
Adjacent to this property is a small retail unit on Colebrook Street. Formerly a hair salon, the building is being let rent-free to the Global Education Trust to operate a free book shop.
Gentian, as part of a group of investors, took ownership of the Brooks Shopping Centre earlier this year. Improvements are currently being made to attract new businesses and retailers and reduce service charges for tenants.
Nick Ekins of Gentian said: "As a Winchester based investor and developer, we are committed to making our High Street a desirable place for people to visit. We are confident in Winchester's retail offering, and ensuring our beautiful buildings are fit for the future. We are working with all our tenants to improve their EPC ratings to B grade."
