Lemon Street Market, Truro

Written by Theresa Tyack Monday, 03 October 2011 13:05

In 2003 Simon and Vanessa Hendra bought the old run down market place off Lemon Street in Truro. Their vision was to develop something that would be "a credit to Truro and a business to be proud of".

8 years on and Lemon Street Market, with its gallery, cafes and niche retailers, is a thriving shopping centre. Its light and airy design has won numerous awards and creates a relaxed atmosphere attracting a growing number of visitors.

The management of Lemon Street Market falls under the responsibility of Giles Horne. Giles says "getting the right mix of tenants in the market is essential". "From a tenant's point of view, having a retail unit in this location has many advantages, not least the fact that the rents are comparable to those of Little Castle Street and New Bridge Street. The nature of their Repairing & Insuring Leases means they do not have to worry about building maintenance. We have a list of interested parties wanting to set up shop here and we have been approached by other retailers, such as a lingerie shop, which would have been unsuitable. I would say the mix of businesses here now is the best it has ever been".

Businesses inside the market have been profiting from growing footfall. In recent weeks 3 retailers looking to expend have elected to stay in the market. They have either moved into bigger units or are opening other stores within the building.

Rosie and Chris Houghton, who own 'Illustrated Living', are opening a second shop 'Illustrated Kids' opposite their existing unit. Rosie says "it's a perfect solution for us – we need to expand and having the second shop just yards away will make it easy to manage. This is one of the best sites for our type of business. People come and browse in the shop after looking around the gallery upstairs. Personally I feel part of a community working in here as all the traders support one another".

Halzephron Herb Farm, which is part of the Roskillys Food Company, has also moved into a bigger unit at the front of the market. The new look shop will be now be selling the Roskillys range of ice creams as well as its Halzephron Herb Farm products.

Opposite Halzephron Herb Farm, what was The Larder delicatessen and take-away has now become 'The Cornish Larder Patisserie & Ice Café'. Carolyn Baltrus who has taken over the business from Simon Hendra says that she saw potential in the business to sell more locally sourced and homemade food.

Latest statistics show the number of shoppers passing through the market is increasing year on year. Simon Hendra says "it has a positive knock-on effect for the city and because we have such enthusiastic tenants who are all forward-looking and dynamic entrepreneurs the market will continue to grow. As their businesses grow out of the market, they will expand into larger shops in the city".

For more information on our Management Services contact Giles Horne on 01872 247010

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