Vacant Wivenhoe chip shop site to become new town café

The building in Wivenhoe, previously occupied by Tollgate Fisheries, has been let to local and experienced businesswoman, Margo Zawislak-Joannides.

It will become Wivenhoe Café and Gallery under its new ownership.

The site East Street had been on the market since December last year and was being offered as a long-term lease. 

Colchester-based commercial property estate agent Essex and Suffolk Business Sales was advertising the 688 sq ft-large unit. 

The unit features a large trading area, a fully tiled prep room and car parking for four vehicles. 

Site - The building in East Street was home to Tollgate Fisheries before its closure (Image: Submitted)

Scott Nicholson Meek, director of Essex and Suffolk Business Sales, was behind the letting of the property, following on from successfully agreed terms on a Snack Bar and a Psychotherapy Practice elsewhere in the town.

Mr Nicholson Meek said Wivenhoe is “thriving”, with all three properties receiving an “overwhelming response”.

He said: “They could have been sold or let many times over, in fact I wish I had more of the same.

“All three properties achieved full asking rental figures.”

“All the properties have been let to existing successful operators with multiple businesses.”

The new café will “embrace the Wivenhoe culture and creativity of the local community”.

It will be a place to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and tea while surrounded by stunning local artwork.

The café will offer a “cosy atmosphere” with a menu to “complement the surroundings”, including delicious pastries, fresh sandwiches, salads, cakes, desserts, light nibbles, all locally sourced where possible.

Transformation works will start this week and an opening date is set for early next month.

Tollgate Fisheries announced its closure in the summer of 2022, eight years after opening to serve seafood delicacies. 

In a statement, the firm thanked its longstanding customers for their support throughout the years.