Partridges in Hadleigh goes on the market for £3.4million with planning permission for major redevelopment

A long-running business, which has been part of the street-scape of Hadleigh for the last 200 years, has been placed on the market, with planning permission for a major redevelopment.

Partridges, a hardware store located in High Street, is up for sale with property agents Chapman Stickels, with an asking price of £3.4million, after gaining approval to convert it into a ground-floor retail site, plus residential homes on the first and second floors.

The agents say the property represents a “unique opportunity to create a lasting legacy” in Hadleigh, by creating a new hub for the town centre.

The permission, which was granted by Babergh District Council’s planning committee this summer, will allow the store to be turned into 13 shops – including a food outlet and office units – and 14 one and two-bedroom flats.

In addition, it permits the site’s three listed buildings in the High Street to be retained, as well as the demolition of the modern workshop and storage buildings in George Street and Magdalen Road.

The proposed layout outlined in the planning application would enable the creation of a new public thoroughfare, known as Partridges Walk, which will provide a link to the rest of the town centre.

Partridges, which employs around 40 people, has previously stated it was no secret that the store was being prepared for sale, with owners Keith and Ann Young having moved away from Hadleigh.

A public consultation on proposals to revamp the site was held last year, with a majority of residents in favour, despite some concerns about the potential loss of a long-running business.

It is hoped that any prospective buyer would be able to retain a hardware store in the original Partridges building.

Partridges general manager Ruth Gant said: “I know the current owners are very keen to leave a legacy to the town.

“The hope is that the new owners will carry on its history.”

Under the terms of the conditions for the planning permission to redevelop the site, three instalments of £78,604 in affordable housing contributions will be payable to Babergh District Council upon the completed sale of the first, seventh and tenth unit.

The community infrastructure levy has also been calculated at £106,968, payable once development begins.

For more information about the sale, contact Chapman Stickels by calling 01473 372 372, or go online to www.chapmanstickels.co.uk.