£700,000 price tag as landmark goes up for sale

AN HISTORIC Accrington landmark which formerly housed the well-known Barnes furniture store has gone up for grabs with a £700,000 price tag.

The building, at the junction of Cannon Street and Church Street, was the home of the furniture store for more than 30 years until it closed down last year.

Before that it housed Accrington's Ritz Cinema, leading to it being known by the nickname Ritz Corner.

Now the three-floor building, with more than 19,000 sq ft of space, has been put on the market by Preston-based Robert Pinkus and Co, acting on behalf of Barnes Furniture.

Hyndburn's Chamber of Trade is hoping the building will be taken over by a commercial retailer to make it into a store again.

Former president Mike Carney said: "As it was the home of Barnes Furniture for so many years we hope it can stay in retail use."

Claire Eccleston, retail surveyor at Robert Pinkus and Co, said: "This landmark building occupies a much sought-after location in a busy and established town centre.

"The size of the space available provides prime development potential and offers a range of options for interested parties.

"As a result, we anticipate high levels of interest in the property."