Roll On Blank Tapes in Cambridge sold 22 years after closing

Roll On Blank Tapes, in Gwydir Street, closed in 2002

A "unique" city centre property that once only sold blank cassette tapes and other media has been bought.

Roll On Blank Tapes, in Gwydir Street, Cambridge, was sold for £184,000 - £59,000 more than its minimum guide price.

The shop closed in May 2002, but its listing piqued the curiosity of many, according to an estate agent.

An auctioneer said buyer interest reflected the demand for central Cambridge property.

Roll on Blank Tapes had a guide price between £125,000 and £150,000.

The building was formerly used as a post office and a large concrete safe remains inside

During a tour of the derelict site, the BBC found old cassette tapes and a large concrete safe from when the building was formerly used as a post office.

Ian Arbery, a former manager of the shop, said he and previous owner Phil Gee came up with the idea for Roll On Blank Tapes in 1991.

He said after 11 years they had to shut the shop as "sales fell sharply, bills got higher and I could not make ends meet".

The shop remained unused after it was closed.

The shop has been empty for more than 20 years

Luke Davenport, a chartered surveyor at Cheffins, said several former customers had asked to look inside the building and another was interested in having the sign once it sold.

Interest in the site was replicated when it went to auction.

Ian Kitson, a director for property auctions and valuations at the firm, said: "With regards the sale, we were really pleased by the amount of interest that was shown in the property, as were the sellers.

"It reflects the demand that there is for central Cambridge property, and in particular the smaller units that are likely to appeal to owner occupiers.

"The bidding on the property was really strong from a number of parties, all of whom were keen to acquire this interesting property that has such a great story to tell."

The shop was listed following the death of the building's owner.