A much-loved and historic town centre business is set to reopen nine months after closing its doors.
GH Porter Provisions, on the corner of Newark Market Place and Bridge Street, served the people of Newark continuously for more than 130 years until September of last year when the owners made the difficult decision to shut for good.
Increased costs, changing shopping habits and a decline in footfall in the town centre were all cited asreasons for closure in a lengthy statement which was posted in the shop’s window.
However, the popular delicatessen and butcher is now set to reopen in the same premises from which it has traded since 1890.
Richard Watkinsons and Partners, who are acting as the letting agent, have confirmed that they are in the final stages of completing the lease with a new tenant.
The tenant, who cannot be identified at this stage, is said to come with a wealth of experience as a qualified butcher and chef, and is the owner of other businesses in the area.
The iconic GH Porter name will also not be replaced, with plans to continue under the business model serving customers in a familiar fashion.
It will come as welcome news to the scores of loyal customers who mourned the loss of one of Newark’s oldest businesses, with hopes that the new tenant can move in within the month.
The grade II listed building, which is owned by St Leonard’s Hospital Trust, is currently undergoing a building survey with scaffolding covering the facade.
