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AN historic building which was once at the epicentre of South Wales fizzy pop distribution has sold at auction.

The full tenanted, three storey, former South Wales headquarters first of Thomas & Evans and latterly Corona and Beechams soft drinks is in the former coal mining town of Porth.

The mixed-use development has six retail units on the ground floor with a gym, boxing ring, sports bar and two residential flats, on the upper floors .

Debra Bisley, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This celebrated building, which we sold for the current owners after almost 40 years of ownership, is steeped in history.

“The fully tenanted property currently achieves an annual income of £39,507. So, based on the guide price of £225,000, this is a 17.56% yield. Ground floor retailers include an independent nail bar, tattooist, discount shop, butchers and therapist. Additionally there is national clothing retailer New Look.

“There was keen pre auction interest in the property which eventually sold for £291,000 after attracting 51 bids from six different bidders. The majority of tenants are long standing who have been on statutory periodic tenancy agreements for a number of years. The tenants have recently signed fixed term tenancies for their own security in anticipation of the sale.

“The property has been in the vendors family for approximately 38 years but the vendor is now selling as they wish to retire.

“Located in a prominent high street position the property is ideally situated on the main shopping thoroughfare in the town of Porth. The street stretches approximately 400 metres with an eclectic mix of retailers, cafes, hair salons and banks. The street benefits from plenty of footfall as well as free, one hour on street parking.”

The town of Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, is some 15 miles north of Cardiff and the M4 motorway. The property is located within close proximity to local bus routes. Porth railway station is approximately a 10 minute walk away. The area is currently undertaking a regeneration programme which includes providing a transport hub for the town which aims to improve connectivity to the centre.

There was previous planning consent for four apartments and two bedsits but this has now lapsed. Grants may be available for this property for up to £2,000 per shop front  for renovations to improve the appearance of the street. Contact the local council for further information. There is also the possibility of grant funding for the conversion of the flats subject to planning permission.

Previous owner and vendor James Southgate says the top of the front of the imposing building reveals some of its history.

Mr Southgate said: “There are the initials T&E picked out in gold, and the date 1905. These initials refer to William Thomas and William Evans, both from Pembrokeshire. The pair produced bottled soft drinks which they distributed from their headquarters in Porth throughout South Wales under the name Thomas & Evans.

“The partnership was financed by William Thomas who lent £238 for the enterprise at the princely interest rate of 50 per cent.

“The property, 20-25 Hannah Street, Porth, was Thomas & Evans and Corona’s head office. The three upper floors were used as offices while the ground floor was used for shops.

“The pair of Pembrokeshire businessmen eventually sold out in the 1950s to Corona who were in turn bought up by Beechams.

“My family owned the property for near on 40 years. The building has a long history and means a lot to many people, especially locals, as it does to me and my family.”

www.paulfoshauctions.com

A simple garage in Downing Street has been snapped up at auction for an astonishing price.

But the single domestic car garage is unlikely to be of use to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as this one is in Newport’s Downing Street.

The garage, at 17 Downing Street, listed by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auction for sale with a guide price of just £1, attracted a flurry of bidders.

Sean Roper of Paul Fosh Auctions said: “There was red hot interest in the garage from the very start of the auction. Eventually the lot sold for £14,250 after attracting 60 bids from eight different bidders.

“The garage was  listed with a £1 guide price which effectively meant that anyone offering £100 could snap up this garage. Garages always seem to sell well in Newport and this one was no exception.

“The single unit is located to the rear of 17 Downing Street in Newport with access from Lloyd Street. It could well be ideal for those looking for storage of a vehicle, or parts or for general storage or the new owner might want to let the space out.”

www.paulfoshauctions.com

A 200-year-old former chapel once at the centre of the Welsh Revivalist movement has found a new owner to revive its fortunes after selling at auction.

Tucked away in the sleepy South Wales valleys village of Bedlinog, closed  Salem Chapel offers scope for a new life as a spacious home or outdoor recreation centre, subject to planning consent.

The detached, white washed the grade II listed chapel, which dates from 1830 and rebuilt in 1876, is presented for sale almost as it served its last worshippers.

Listed with a guide price of just £11,000, far less than the cost of a decent second hand car, the lot sold for £14,500 attracting 13 bids.

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions said: “The towering former chapel is at the heart of the semi rural village. It is in desperate need of an uplift for it to attain its full potential.

“The chapel has a wealth of wooden fixtures and retains its pews and pulpit however there is clear evidence in parts, particularly in some areas of the ceiling and roofing,  that there is a need for some attention.

“The historic chapel, on the main road through the village, is in a  stunning location surrounded by some awesome countryside.

“It’s in a great location in the village and falls within the Cwm Felin designated  conservation area. The village itself is surrounded by a wealth of popular walks and cycling routes. The Rock UK Summit Centre is at Trelewis.

“There is an entrance foyer with stairs from it on both sides leading up to a seated gallery, pulpit and store room. Outside is a  graveyard to the front and access to the vestry.”

www.paulfoshauctions.com

ARGUABLY the most famous potato of them all, although Supertato may argue differently, Mr Potato Head paid a personal visit to Chepstow days before the town’s inaugural Spudfest.

Welcomed by Chepstow Mayor, Cllr Margaret Griffiths and members of Chepstow Spudfest organising committee, the larger than life vegetable made a beeline for the town’s pebble sculpture.

The free to attend, Chepstow Spudfest, organised by Chepstow Town Council, is on Saturday, October 21 from 11 am to 5pm on the riverbank and in the Drill Hall.

Events at a third location, The Castle Dell, have been switched due to safety concerns.

Cllr. Griffiths said: “The organising committee were delighted to welcome Mr Potato Head to Chepstow and to show him the locations for Chepstow Spudfest and the Pebble sculpture. He doesn’t say much but seemed to be impressed. But he did urge people to get cracking and to enter the various competitions.

“Mr Potato Head has promised to join us at Chepstow Spudfest and is looking forward to meeting as many people as he can on the day, especially children and young people.”

Chepstow Town Clerk, Lucy Allen, commenting on switching from using the Castle Dell as a venue for the sports events Cllr Griffiths said: “There’s tree felling going on in the exact place where we’d planned to have the potato sack carrying races and some other events so, just to be on the safe side, we’ve switched locations We’re hopeful that we may be able to use the Castle Dell for the events next year.”

Ms Allen followed Mr Potato Head’s lead in urging those looking to enter the various competitions to get their entries in as soon as they can.

Groups and organisations within the town and any others with an interest and any spud-based ideas are urged to get involved in what it is hoped will become an annual festival.

Central to the celebration of all things potato is the pebble sculpture, unveiled in March this year on the River Wye in Chepstow, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the creation of Wales Coast Path.

The coast path, which attracts thousands of walkers and tourists to the town each year, starts and ends on the banks of the River Wye in Chepstow.

The pebble, which some say resembles a tin-foil covered baked potato, has grabbed the imagination of the people of Chepstow and visitors to the ancient walled town alike.

Cllr Griffiths, who is chair of the Chepstow Spud Fest Working Group, said: “Chepstow SpudFest is a perfect opportunity to build on the undeniable interest in the sculpture that has been generated since its unveiling on the river bank earlier this year. We hope that the spud fest will help to promote the town, its culture and attractions and will boost engagement with the community.”

Events at Chepstow SpudFest include competitions for the champion potato, potatoes resembling famous people and characters, photography and painting of potatoes, children’s artwork including, potato prints, potato people, collages of potatoes, cookery demonstration, potato sculpture, most imaginative use of a potato, craft Stalls, expert talks on potatoes, growing them, their uses and cultural significance, best home-grown potato competition, potato sack race, Chepstow potato trail, recitation of poems and stories about potatoes as well as a competitions and potato related music potato and spoon and sack races.

For more details about Chepstow SpudFest contact Chepstow Town Clerk Lucy Allen on 01291 626370 or email admin@chepstow.co.uk A Facebook group has been set up for SpudFest and is available here: facebook.com/groups/587091073400543

South Wales property and financial services business Harvey Bowes has signalled its intent for further growth with three key appointments.

The Newport, Gwent-based business, which recently launched Harvey Bowes Real Estate, is also heavily involved in a variety of building and regeneration projects in and around the city.

Local man Tim Webber, aged 56, has been appointed construction project manager as the entrepreneurial property business forges ahead with a raft of schemes in the Gwent city

Tom Evans, aged 32, from Newport takes the sales and lettings negotiator role while architecture graduate, Dominika Majer,  21, also from Newport, completes the signings.

Experienced business owner Tim said he’d Joined Harvey Bowes as ‘the role seemed like it would be an interesting challenge which is proving to be the case’.

Tom said he relishes the challenge presented by the new position. “I really enjoy building relationships and making new connections and engaging with new and existing people and clients. I was attracted by the vision that Harvey Bowes has for its real estate business. I’m looking forward to gaining experience from the wealth of expertise and knowledge that exist in the business.”

Dominika said: “As a recent graduate I am looking to gain experience in property and finance. Working with Harvey Bowes will allow me to gain valuable knowledge that I can use to build my career path and expand my connections. Arranging and planning events for the company will help me to develop my personal skills such as organisation, communication and time management.”

Harvey Bowes Managing Director, Howard Bowes, aged 46, a native of Newport, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to continue to attract the calibre of recruit that we have  to the business as we continue to grow. Harvey Bowes is at a key stage of its development with activity happening on a variety of fronts. I’m confident that Tim, Tom and Dominika are ready to make a important contributions to our journey.”

“Tim Webber has joined us to run our development projects for Harvey Bowes Real Estate, with exciting schemes such as our two grade II listed developments on Lower Dock Street,  Newport, one being the Drill Hall scheme, plus Tredegar Chambers.

“We are looking to bring 37 new apartments to Newport across these three developments. Tim will play a key role in helping to deliver these exciting projects.

“Tom has joined HBRE in the role of  sales and lettings negotiator. He’s already worked for Haarts and Hathways in the past and is a positive addition to the real estate team

“Dominika comes in as a  sales coordinator and to assist with customer service and the coordination of services.”

www.harveybowes.co.uk

 

A shell of a South Wales house which has been stripped back to basics offers an investor a blank canvas for a full renovation.

The stone-built end terrace offers full scope for the imagination of the new owner as it has been stripped back to bare walls.

Gemma Vaughan, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, is handling the sale of the property at number 7, Prosser Street, Mountain Ash, Mid Glamorgan.

The property is listed with a guide price of £50,000-plus.

Gemma said: “The new owner will need to get their sleeves rolled up from day one as the house has been taken back to basics and now requires a full renovation.

“The property does offer good size living accommodation with open plan reception room, former kitchen and bathroom to the ground floor.

“The first floor has been stripped out and offers potential for four bedrooms and bathroom.

“If looking for buy to let investment, the property could achieve in the region of £700 per calendar month one the renovation work has been done.

“There is an enclosed garden to the rear and a forecourt at the front.

“The house is within walking distance to local shops and benefits from good road links as the A470 is only a short drive away.”

The property, along with more than seventy others, is being offered for sale online by Paul Fosh Auctions with the

The property is included in a catalogue of some 70 varied lots which go up for sale online from 12 noon on Tuesday, October 3. The sale ends from 5pm on Thursday, October 5.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

AN historic building which was once at the epicentre of South Wales fizzy pop distribution is looking for an new investor to put the fizz back into the property.

The three storey, former South Wales headquarters first of Thomas & Evans and latterly Corona and Beechams soft drinks in the former coal mining town of Porth, is up for sale.

These days the prominent, fully-tenanted, mixed-use development has six retail units on the ground floor with a gym, boxing ring, sports bar and two residential flats, on the upper floors.

But there are hints of its refreshing, former existence for those with time and the interest to look.

Debra Bisley, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This celebrated building, which is being sold by the current owners after almost 40 years, is steeped in history.

“These days the property is fully tenanted and is currently achieving a sparkling annual income of £39,507. So, based on the guide price of £225,000, this is a 17.56% yield. Ground floor retailers include an independent nail bar, tattooist, discount shop, butchers and therapist. Additionally there is national clothing retailer New Look.

“We have been advised that the majority of tenants are long standing who have been on statutory periodic tenancy agreements for a number of years. The tenants have recently signed fixed term tenancies for their own security in anticipation of the sale.

“The property has been in the vendors family for approximately 38 years but the vendor is now selling as they wish to retire.

“Located in a prominent high street position the property is ideally situated on the main shopping thoroughfare in the town of Porth. The street stretches approximately 400 metres with an eclectic mix of retailers, cafes, hair salons and banks. The street benefits from plenty of footfall as well as free, one hour on street parking.”

The town of Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, is some 15 miles north of Cardiff and the M4 motorway. The property is located within close proximity to local bus routes. Porth railway station is approximately a 10 minute walk away. The area is currently undertaking a regeneration programme which includes providing a transport hub for the town which aims to improve connectivity to the centre.

There was previous planning consent for four apartments and two bedsits but this has now lapsed. Grants may be available for this property for up to £2,000 per shop front  for renovations to improve the appearance of the street. Contact the local council for further information. There is also the possibility of grant funding for the conversion of the flats subject to planning permission.

Current owner and vendor James Southgate says the top of the front of the imposing building reveals some of its history.

Mr Southgate said: “There are the initials T&E picked out in gold, and the date 1905. These initials refer to William Thomas and William Evans, both from Pembrokeshire. The pair produced bottled soft drinks which they distributed from their headquarters in Porth throughout South Wales under the name Thomas & Evans.

“The partnership was financed by William Thomas who lent £238 for the enterprise at the princely interest rate of 50 per cent.

“The property, 20-25 Hannah Street, Porth, was Thomas & Evans and Corona’s head office. The three upper floors were used as offices while the ground floor was used for shops.

“The pair of Pembrokeshire businessmen eventually sold out in the 1950s to Corona who were in turn bought up by Beechams.

“My family owned the property for near on 40 years. The building has a long history and means a lot to many people, especially locals, as it does to me and my family.”

The property is included in a catalogue of some 70 varied lots which go up for sale online from 12 noon on Tuesday, October 3. The sale ends from 5pm on Thursday, October 5.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

IF Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is looking for a place to keep his car this garage in Newport might well be right up his street.

The single garage, listed by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of just £100, is located in appropriately named Downing Street.

Sean Roper of Paul Fosh Auctions said: ” We don’t expect Rishi Sunak to show interest in the lot but you never know.

“The garage is  listed with a nil guide price which effectively means that anyone offering £100 could snap up this garage.

“The single unit is located to the rear of 17 Downing Street in Newport with access from Lloyd Street. It could well be ideal for those looking for storage of a vehicle, or parts or for general storage or the new owner might want to let the space out.”

The garage is among some seventy lots to be offered online in the Paul Fosh Auctions sale which starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, October 3 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, October 5.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

A four bedroom rural cottage tucked away in the heart of the Gwent countryside could become a perfect rustic retreat.

The tumble down property, Ty Coch Farm, Bryn Carno, in the village of Rhymney, near Tredegar, is being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

The cottage has a guide price of £48,000-plus.

Angie Davey, who is handling the sale for the auctioneers, said: “It’s an awesome property, set in its own land, which could make the ideal project for someone and then deliver a gorgeous result.

“The  detached cottage is situated in a tucked away position with far-reaching views and local countryside walks. The cottage will require renovation works including repair to the upper gable end wall but could be a real jewel once work is completed.

“Currently the property provides a lounge, sitting room, dining room, bathroom, bedroom with shower area to ground floor and four bedrooms to first floor.

“The plot sits in approximately a third of an acre which includes a large garden to the front and side, parking, a detached garage with power and light and a coal shed.

The property is to be sold with vacant possession.

The cottage is included among a catalogue of some eighty lots being offered online by Paul Fosh Auctions with the sale starting from 12 noon on Tuesday, October 3 and ending from 5 pm on Thursday, October 5

THE owner of Newport’s iconic, fire-ravaged Drill Hall building says he is ‘excited’ to submit a revised planning application to city planners for the Grade II listed property.

The move comes after planning permission was previously refused on the deteriorating building once the headquarters of the 3rd Monmouthshire Rifle Volunteer Corps among a array of other former uses including as a religious centre.

Now a revised scheme has been lodged with city planners in a bid to revitalise and refurbish the current shell of the burned out eyesore building.

The proposal aims to convert, refurbish and extend the former Lower Dock Street Drill Hall to create a mixed scheme of nine flats and first floor office/gym.

Howard Bowes, of Newport-Based Harvey Bowes Real Estate, who owns Newport’s former Drill Hall said: “We have been working tirelessly with Newport City Council planners to find a solution which we believe we have achieved with this latest planning application.”

Local man, Mr Bowes, said: “Planning was previously declined for a proposal that was financially viable and which we believe brought the building back into good condition and useful purpose.

“My team, here in Newport, have been working tirelessly on a revised scheme for the Drill Hall which has cost many thousands of pounds so far and which, we envisage, will cost many more thousands by the time we are able to deliver on our scheme.”

The seasoned property investor and award winning property finance broker said “We went back to the drawing board to create this exciting new scheme which we’re hopeful will meet with approval of Newport city planners as we believe it is compliant with the feedback they gave us on the first round.

“Frankly we cannot wait and are excited to get the green light to make a start on restoring this wonderful, iconic and historic Drill Hall building and returning it to the prominence it deserves at the heart of the city of Newport.”

The Drill Hall, a distinctive, castle-style building, has stood  on Lower Dock Street since being built in 1867.

The eye-catching, three-storey sandstone and bath stone main facade is flanked by castle turrets at each corner, ensuring the property has become an historic landmark building in the city of Newport.