Pirates and Princesses Colchester building hits the market

'Traditional' Colchester city centre toy shop Pirates and Princesses announced plans to shut for good earlier this year.

Bosses at the shop, which has been in North Hill for 11 years, cited rising costs and a lack of footfall as their reasons for closing down.

Now, the building in which the toy shop is housed has been put up for sale on Rightmove for £232,500.

Outside the front of the Pirates and Princesses shop (Image: Public)
The description of the listing reads: “This period property, parts of which date to 1510, comprises an attractive ground floor sales area which benefits from a glazed frontage, carpets, hardwood flooring and spot lights.

“At first floor level, there is a partly fitted kitchen, former lounge and bathroom with panel bath, wash hand basin and toilet and a further office and store on the second floor via a narrow staircase.

“The property contains a wide array of period features.

“The property benefits from an established Class E (Retail) use with residential upper floors.”

“Interested parties are advised to contact Colchester City Council.”

Moving on - Owner Lynda Vincent started the business back in 2007 and moved to North Hill 11 and a half years ago (Image: Public)

Owner Lynda Vincent started the business back in 2007 and moved to North Hill 11 and a half years ago.

Pirates and Princesses sells traditional wood and tin toys, game boards, along with many handmade and quirky gifts.

Speaking previously to the Gazette, Lynda reminisced ahead of the closure.

She said: “The thing I will miss the most is the building.

“I’ve lived and breathed it every single day and it’s been great fun, lots of highs, a few lows but overall, very happy.

“I couldn’t thank each and everyone enough.

“Equally a shout out to my fantastic neighbours, Alfie Allen and Gemstone.

“I intend to carry on until Christmas, but that is down to people supporting the shop.”

To view the listing, visit bit.ly/3RaywZg.