Prominent shop gets a new lease of life

A prominently-located shop in Shrewsbury’s Frankwell area has re-opened  under the ‘Welsh Bridge Books and Collectables’ banner as an Aladdin’s cave of books, antiques and other collectables.  

Legal support was provided by Charlotte Nutting, an associate in FBC Manby Bowdler’s Shrewsbury-based commercial property team.

The period building at 127 Frankwell, had previously been an antique furniture shop before a brief period as a bar.  It has been in Simon and Anthony Price’s family for many years and is one of several properties they own in the area.  The new tenant is David Wilsdon who has sold books and collectables for over 18 years. 

He said: “Whilst so much purchasing is carried out online, there’s something to be said for being able to pick up and feel a product and this is especially so when dealing with antique books and collectables."

The timber-framed building is arranged over three floors and has eight rooms but they required work to get them ready for use.

“I visited several properties, but this historic building stood out for many reasons, including its location, its 16th Century charm and its labyrinthine lay out which meant it had a lot of potential. The number of rooms provided scope to dedicate certain areas to individual subjects, as well as offering space for original art, antique photography equipment and music related materials."

Having not worked with the FBC Manby Bowdler team prior to this move, David said: “With a project like this, the intricacies of a complex building and needing to successfully move all the products carefully, it was always reassuring to know that Charlotte and her team were on top of the legal aspects of the lease and they were always quick to clarify any queries I had.”

Pictured: David Wilsdon of Welsh Bridge Books and Collectables with Charlotte Nutting of FBC Manby Bowdler