15/02/13
Town properties being sought by foreign investors
by Chris Hunter
chunter@thekmgroup.co.uk
Could it be a future of Arabian nights at a popular nightspot in
the County Town?
According to business agents Christie + Co, property in
Maidstone is attracting serious interest from Middle Eastern,
Indian and Chinese investors, with Banks Wine Bar & Restaurant
in Bank Street the latest to draw attention from the east.
We’ve had a lot of interest from foreign investors in Banks and
Maidstone in general,” said Andrew Moore, who is handling the sale.
“They see the UK as reasonable place to invest and the South East
is the most affluent area.”
Recent sales to have attracted similar interest include that of
Ethos on Gabriels Hill, now a branch of bookmakers Paddy Power, and
the building on the corner of Pudding Lane and the High Street, now
Buddha Belly restaurant.
Mr Moore said he hoped the identity of Banks wouldn’t change too
radically under the new ownership, and believed Bank Street would
continue to thrive as a centre for Maidstone nightlife.
They were sentiments echoed by current owner Ainslie Vine, who
runs the bar with partner Julie Lucas.
“We’re hoping an independent gets it because it’s one of the
last independently owned clubs in Maidstone,” he said. “We’d love
to see it stay like that.
He said he would be sad to leave after 12 years but was looking
forward to retiring and spending time in France.
“This is a young person’s industry,” he added. ”
The freehold interest of Banks Wine Bar & Restaurant is
available for an asking price of £749,950.
For further information about businesses go to www.christie.com