A WORCESTER chip shop which has been closed since the first Covid-19 lockdown is on the cusp of having new tenants – but will it reopen as a fast-food business?

St John’s Chippy on St John’s, leading to Malvern Road, Worcester is currently a disused unit but it still has the fixtures and fittings installed to run a chip shop.

The building itself has not changed hands but the previous tenants vacated around a year ago with the premises running chip shop businesses on and off for decades.

Worcester-based commercial property agents KJB Commercial Real Estate revealed there had been plenty of prospective tenants come forward with a decision on who will take over due “over the next few days”.

A spokesperson for KJB said: “It has had a lot of interest because it is very rare for takeaway premises to come on the market in this area.

“When they do they tend to get snapped up. It is the type of property we get the most calls about while having the least of on our books I would suspect.

“There is a lot of interest and demand, particularly in Worcester.”

Asked about timescales, the spokesperson said:

“I would like to think we would get a firm picture over the next few days. Then it will be subject to due process with the new tenants perhaps in place in three or four weeks.

“From there it will be up to the new tenants to publicise what they intend to do as they wish.”

KJB’s advert reads: “The property has long been established as a fish and chip restaurant and takeaway and is available to let inclusive of various fixtures and fittings.

“The premises is adjacent and opposite to various eateries, retailers and other established occupiers and just a very short walk from Sainsbury's supermarket."