Weston-super-Mare's TJ Hughes store up for auction for £1.5m

The old department store has been empty for more than a decade

A seaside town's "iconic" former discount store is up for auction and expected to fetch around £1.5million.

The old TJ Hughes building on High Street in Weston-super-Mare has been empty for more than a decade due to a "decline in retail operators".

Its current owner will sell the property with planning permission for a residential conversion.

Kate Hunt, who grew up in Weston-super-Mare, said it was a "much loved store" in the town.

"I have lovely memories as a child visiting it when it was originally the Co-op," she said.

"I remember that they had a Dr Who Dalek coin-operated ride on for children in the stairwell, and it was always a treat to go on that whilst mum did her shopping.

The building sits at the heart of Weston-super-Mare

"It's an iconic building for Weston. It's a shame it's been empty for so long."

House auctioneer director Ed Plaister said the property has been empty for 17 years but could still be partly used commercially as well as for apartments after it is sold.

"There's a significant lack of housing in our area," he said.

He said the "decline in retail occupants" and "increase in online shopping" forced retailers such as TJ Hughes to "retreat".

"When we see a major retailer depart from a town centre it has such a big social change because there's no destination for people to come into the town. There has been a lot of change since they've gone," he said.

"We've had a significant amount of interest so far because it's quite a unique property right in the centre of a seaside town," he added.

The auction is due to take place on 17 April, with Connect UK Auctions, at Leigh Court.