Estate agent Dexters have signed a lease to take over the landmark corner property at 228-230 Algernon Road in Ladywell village – the old Corals betting shop.
The shop unit and double fronted flats above it, all owned by former bookmakers E Coomes, have long been an eyesore in the village and a source of friction with local residents who have campaigned for years to have the flats renovated and let.
Dexters which moved into a Ladywell 18 months ago after taking over Sebastian Roche said they hoped to move into the new, larger office at the beginning of the second quarter.
“Dexters have had their eyes on the unit for many years and with the announcement of Joel and Alina from Oscars pulling out of the lease due to many factors (which we are gutted about) now is perfect timing,” said Ashley Dawkins, director of Dexters Ladywell.
“There’s a lot of work needed to bring the property up to a good standard,” he added.
Joel and Alina had been hoping to open a restaurant in the old Coral betting shop at 228-230 Algernon Road in Ladywell.
But squatters held up the project for more than a year and the deteriorating condition of the building had made the project too expensive for them to take on.
They now plan to open the wine bar at No 77, next door to Plenty – their wholefood pantry – and offer a range of dishes. “The plan is for something similar and perhaps simpler at Wilsons,” says Joel.
Ashley said Dexters were “delighted to announce our new, larger office opening planned for the beginning of Quarter 2.”
“We are extremely proud of our excellent reputation and we have good relationships with everyone in the local area including many of the shop owners in the village.” Dexters were a big sponsor of of Food, Folk ‘n’ Fund in the Fields in July last year.
“Corals has been an eyesore for years but I think the work needed on the property before we open our office will do wonders for the aesthetic of the village – its been a long time coming.”
Ashley said Dexters were looking forward to another good year in Ladywell. “Demand remains strong and with interest rates falling buyers and tenants are racing to secure high quality property in the best locations.”