Pictures: Business units up for sale in Colchester

The city's business offerings often evolve, with some shutting for good and others arriving to make their mark on Colchester residents.

When a business decides to leave their premises however, this is just the start of the process, as the building they used either needs to be sold or a new tenant is required.

Let's take a look at some of Colchester's business buildings that are on the market.

Pirates and Princesses

For sale - Pirates and Princesses (Image: Public)

This 'traditional' toy shop, situated in North Hill for eleven years announced plans to shut down earlier this year, citing rising costs and a lack of footfall as their reasons for closing down.

Now, the building occupied by the toy shop is on Rightmove for £232,500.

Its description 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 wc and a further office/store on the second floor via a narrow staircase."

Shakeaway

Customer - TikTok sensation Tish Simmonds during a visit to Shakeway (Image: Public)

Once-popular milkshake bar Shakeway, in Sir Isaacs Walk had been empty for several months, leaving its customers confused about the fate of the business.

Their questions were answered when the building appeared on RightMove where it is valued at £310,000.

iChina

Before becoming iChina, this building was also formerly Axe Music shop which was visited by Blur frontman Damon Albarn.

In July, the musician was reunited with the sign of the long-closed shop.

Now the building looks set for another re-brand as it is currently on Rightmove, priced at £240,000.

North Hill Hotel

Retiring - Rob Brown is selling The North Hill Hotel after 15 years running it (Image: Newsquest)

The North Hill Hotel was put up for sale after owner Rob Brown announced his retirement after 15 years of running the hotel.

Since the hotelier took up ownership in 2008, his time in charge includes managing the business through Covid.

The period, Grade II listed property is now for sale on Rightmove, valued at £1,249,000.

Its description reads: "Ground floor public areas and letting rooms on the ground, first and second floors.

"The property has been in our clients' ownership since 2008 and has been refurbished throughout to an excellent standard, this upgrading programme includes a newly created lounge/hotel bar, which greatly improves the efficiency and layout of the ground floor areas."