A prominent commercial block on Emscote Road in Warwick, long occupied by the family‑run electrical retailer Owens TV & Domestic Appliances, has been placed on the market with an asking price of around £1 million following the retirement of the owner.
Rare freehold opportunity on busy route between Warwick and Leamington
The property at 83–95 Emscote Road is being marketed by local agents Bromwich Hardy. According to the marketing particulars, the building provides a total of 5,868 sq ft of accommodation, comprising a large ground‑floor retail area together with offices on the upper floors. The sale also includes the freehold of Herald Court to the rear, which currently produces ground‑rent income from 25 separate units. Four garages to the rear are offered as a separate lot.
Tom Bromwich, managing partner at Bromwich Hardy, described the property as a “rare opportunity” because of its prominent main road frontage and high visibility on what the agent called an extremely busy thoroughfare between Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa. He said the premises could be suitable for a variety of uses, subject to planning permission.
“This is a rare opportunity to acquire what are superbly located and highly prominent premises that could be suitable for a variety of uses, subject to planning permission,”
The sale follows the retirement this year of Dennis Owen, who ran the business until his retirement at the age of 91. Mr Owen established the retail operation in the mid‑1960s and gradually acquired the entire block, trading from the site for almost 60 years. The firm became one of Warwick’s most longstanding independent retail names.
Building details and current configuration
The agent’s brochure gives a breakdown of the accommodation and separate elements available:
- Ground floor retail: 4,253 sq ft
- First floor: 436 sq ft (offices)
- Second floor: 436 sq ft (offices)
- Garages: 495 sq ft (four garages offered separately)
- Additional asset: freehold of Herald Court with 25 ground rents
| Element | Area (sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Ground floor retail | 4,253 |
| First floor | 436 |
| Second floor | 436 |
| Garages (separate) | 495 |
| Total | 5,868 |
As presented by the agent, the site offers flexibility for prospective purchasers. The brochure highlights the main road frontage and visibility as commercial advantages, while also noting the potential for alternative uses should change of use or redevelopment be achievable through planning channels.
Local context and implications for residents
For Warwick residents the sale raises immediate questions about the future of a familiar local business and the appearance and function of a well‑located town centre site. The building sits on a busy route linking Warwick with Royal Leamington Spa and has been part of the local retail fabric for decades. Any significant change of use — such as conversion to residential or different commercial occupiers — would require planning consent from Warwickshire authorities and would be subject to the same scrutiny as other proposals affecting the town centre.
Potential buyers might be drawn by the mixed nature of the asset: active retail space, upper‑floor offices and a small portfolio of ground‑rent investments. Alternatively, developers or investors could consider redevelopment options, but they would face the usual planning tests and local interest in preserving the character of Warwick’s high street.
Prospective purchasers and local residents will watch closely to see whether a new owner continues retail activity on the site or pursues redevelopment. The agent is inviting offers on the freehold, with the guide price stated at £1m in the marketing materials.
For now, the sale marks the end of an era for a family business that served Warwick shoppers for nearly 60 years and reflects wider challenges and opportunities on the town’s high street as independent traders retire and properties change hands.
