Maldon High Street sees business closures and property sales

Several businesses have closed or gone on the market in the past 12 months.

Youngs Pie and Mash shut its Maldon branch less than a year after opening.

A window sign says the premises are available to let.

The restaurant took over the site where Maldon Pie and Mash traded until it closed in July 2023.

Gone again - the premises has twice been home to a pie and mash shop.

King Traditional Indian Curries later took over the premises before relocating to the upper end of the High Street.

A spokesperson for Youngs Pie and Mash has been approached for comment.

Award-winning Feathers Hair Salon is preparing to leave its current premises, which is on the market for £275,000.

Manager Kerry Bush told the Standard: "We've been here for 17 years, but this shop's just too big for us."

Fenn Wright is marketing the premises, which have a glazed shopfront, suspended ceiling and tiled flooring.

The agent says the property could be exempt from business rates, depending on the circumstances.

Founded in north Essex in 1989, Feathers now has salons in Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Witham and Tiptree.

Going - the building housing Duck Nail Studio is up for £350,000.

The freehold of 159 High Street, formerly home to JP Tackle, is also on the market for £350,000.

JP Tackle closed last October after more than 25 years in Maldon.

Duck Nail Studio still trades from the premises, although planning permission for a proposed shopfront and signage was refused earlier this year.

Agents are marketing the property as an investment opportunity. Duck Nail Studio has a 15-year lease and pays £28,250 a year in rent.

Gone - Santander closed in March.

Santander closed its branch in March, making it the last bank to leave the High Street.

Cash Access UK has been urged to open a banking hub on the High Street. Services are currently available at Maldon District Council offices.

The changes come as Maldon debates the future of its town centre.

Councillors have proposed a retail forum to consider footfall, investment and the long-term future of the High Street.

The sales and closures show businesses adapting their premises to changing consumer habits and trading conditions.

Santander has linked its branch closures to customers moving to digital banking, with 96 per cent of transactions now completed through digital channels.