The team behind Old Bank Antiques in Royal Wootton Bassett has bought the next-door property – formerly a branch of Co-op – ready to turn it into an auction house.
Led by local entrepreneur Jon White, the move to expand has had to be kept under wraps for several months.
Jon said, “Ideally we would probably all have preferred to keep another smaller supermarket on the High Street in Royal Wootton Bassett however it became clear that the Co-op was determined to move on and no other food retailer was interested.
“Since opening Old Bank Antiques in late 2019, the idea of an auction house has been in my mind. When this opportunity came up, my team and I explored the possibility, and we are all thrilled that we’ve been able to buy the property.
“Currently there is no auction house within a ten-mile radius of Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon is not served by one either. This venture will bring local jobs and we’re so excited for the future.”
The property at 144 High Street is across two floors and equates to 9,000 square feet of space and needs substantial works to make it ready for sales.
Jon continued, “We will be embarking on the planning process over the coming weeks and we aim to open to the public for our first sale in due course.
“The auction house will offer general sales as well as specialist sales and ultimately even property sales. Buyers and sellers will be able to visit in person, attend viewing days and can also engage online.
He added, “This last year has been an agonisingly difficult time for the High Street in the midst of a challenging economic environment anyway. To be in a position to expand and offer more is something I’m extremely proud of and I’d like to thank my team for supporting this expansion to the business.”
Old Bank Antiques is currently a small antiques centre focussing on selling portable antiques including jewellery, silver flatware, coins, toys and collectibles. For more information visit https://oldbankantiques.co.uk.
Plans for converting the property into an auction house are due to be submitted sometime in the spring.
Pictured above: Jon White who has purchased the premises at 144 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett
