Former Iceland store in Weymouth town centre placed on the market

The popular store on St Thomas Street closed its doors for the final time on Saturday, September 4.

The branch had been open for more than 15 years and its closure was seen as a major blow to the town centre given it is in a prominent location.

A spokeswoman for Iceland was previously unable to say how many jobs were lost or why the store was closing.

The former Iceland premises, based on St Thomas Street in Weymouth. Picture: Dorset Echo

Since closing, the large St Thomas Street unit has been stripped of its Iceland branding and its windows have been covered.

But now the premises has been placed on the market by Mason Partners with an annual rent of £110,306.

The 5,300 sq.ft store, which spans two floors, has been marketed as an ‘ideal Christmas temporary let’ in a bid to lure in interested business owners ahead of the festive season.

A description of the store reads: “The subject property is located on the busy St Thomas Street, close to the New Bond Street Shopping Centre with nearby occupiers including TK Maxx, Loungers, Clarks, Boots, New Look and Superdrug.

“The premises are available to assign held on an effective full repairing and insuring lease for a term of years expiring February 27, 2030 at the passing rent of £110,306 pax (excluding business rates/service charges/insurance) with a fixed uplift to £124,801 pax on February 28, 2025 and tenant only break clause at that time.

The former Iceland store has had its branding stripped

“Alternatively, the premises are also available via an underlease contracted outside the Security of Tenure provisions of The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 for a terms of years to be agreed.”

The closure means that Iceland customers now either need to go the Food Warehouse at Jubilee Retail Park or visit its store in Dorchester town centre.

Shoppers were previously left saddened by the news and said the closure was a 'big blow' to the town centre.

One said: "I was shocked to see the banner in the window after I had heard some rumours in the town and on Facebook about it shutting down.

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"It's such a shame as it's in a good location and the empty unit will stick out like a sore thumb."

Craig Oakes, president of Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce, previously described the Iceland closure news as ‘out of the blue’ and said he hoped a new business would snap up the town centre premises.

He said: “It’s a long-standing store and a shame to see a big unit go like that in St Thomas Street.

“It has been a very difficult time for many businesses with the pandemic

Any viewings can be arranged or further information can be sought through Mason Partners LLP via 0207 495 1971.

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