Transformation of 16th century pub to clothes shop begins
The renovation of a Grade II listed Sudbury pub – thought to be the oldest in the town – is under way.
The Anchor pub in Friars Street is to be turned into a new Javelin clothes shop.
Work on the 16th century building began last month and owner Jeremy Clayton said good progress was being made.
“In a few weeks time, we should be replacing the pub frontage with a traditional shop front,” he said.
“As it is a listed building, we are still in discussions with planners but everything is going well.”
Mr Clayton, who currently runs two other Javelin shops in the same street, said he was “undecided” on the future of the main business opposite the pub, but was glad to be investing in Sudbury.
“I think the Anchor is a lovely building and the only reason we are replacing the frontage is because it is mock Tudor and was put up in the 1940s,” he said.
“I have had a shop presence in Friars Street and the Market Hill area since 1995 and the town has always been good to us.
“That area is good for thriving independents and I’m excited about the shop.”
The pub was bought in 2011 and had an asking price of £295,000. In December of that year, Sudbury Town Council backed proposals to change the building into a shop.
Town councillor Jan Osborne said she was happy to see work beginning.
“It has been empty for so long and it is better that it is used,” she said. “Hopefully it will help the retail environment.”
The shop is expected to open later this year.
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Weather for Sudbury
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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