Gentian spends thousands on upgrading Winchester High Street buildings

Gentian Development’s recent works include spending £42,000 on external works to Mountain Warehouse and £225,000 on a full refurbishment of the Fat Face building.

Mountain Warehouse (Image: Gentian)

The developers, based in Winchester city centre, have secured Winchester Fat Face’s lease for five more years after removing a tenant break from the contract for next year.

READ ALSO: Brooks Shopping Centre Winchester sold to Gentian Developments

Repairs are underway, further down the High Street, at the building formerly occupied by Closs and Hamblin, which will benefit fellow occupants such as Rick Stein.

Contractors SM5, which has worked on many of Gentian’s Winchester properties, are leading the refurbishment of the 15,500 square foot building.

The former fabrics shop is for let through Goadsby and RK Real Estate and has received strong interest from hospitality operators and retailers.

Fat Face (Image: Gentian)

SEE ALSO: New stationery shop opens in former Paperchase store

Nearby in Colebrook Street is a small retail unit, previously used as a hair salon, that is being let rent-free to the Global Education Trust to operate a free bookshop.

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.

The managing director of Gentian, Nick Ekins, 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 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings to B grade.”