New trading place for Grantham antiques centre after 28 years in the same home

One of the longest established retailers in Grantham is poised to move to a new home in the town.

Husband and wife-run Notions Antiques Centre, in Market Place, is preparing to relocate to a more eye-catching location in High Street.

We decided a move would be in the best interests of the business.

The moves comes after 28 years in the four-storey building in Market Place, and which itself followed three years in Watergate.

The business is run by Sharon and Lewis Checkley and will move in October to a large vacant unit between Barkers restaurant and the Angel and Royal Hotel.

Mr Checkley said: “We had not been planning to move but our lease runs out in October and the unit in High Street suddenly became available.

“Although we had been talking to our landlord, Buckminster Estates, about a new lease we decided a move would be in the best interests of the business.

“There is not much difference in the rent but the business is spread over three floors and at the new unit we will have the same amount of space but on just one floor.

“We also have dedicated parking for loading and for customers and the unit is in a more prominent position.”

It is not planned to transfer the cafe, currently run on the fourth floor of the Market Place premises, to the new venue.

Mrs Checkley said that over the three decades, she had seen many changes in the town’s business life, chiefly the demise of the market.

She said: “The arrival of Asda meant the end for many independent retailers.”

Stuart Pigram, chairman of the Grantham Business Club, said: “It will be great to get that large unit on High Street fully occupied and bustling again.

“It is on a main entrance into Grantham and is very noticeable to visitors.”

He added: “The unit Notions is leaving in Market Place could be a venue for a new food or drinks business.”