The old Maplin electronics store in London Road, Brighton has been leased to Kaspas Desserts – the self-styled “king of desserts”.
The deal was brokered by Brighton commercial property agents Graves Jenkins almost three years after Maplin closed when the national chain failed.
Graves Jenkins said: “The double-fronted unit, close to Preston Circus, has been empty since the electronics giant went into administration in 2018.
“The owners of the building, property investment company Reefsouth Limited, redeveloped the upper parts into residential accommodation and created a new ground floor retail unit of 2,600 sq ft of virtual open plan trading area.
“Kaspas will now undertake a major renovation of the space to create an exclusive dining experience of both hot and cold desserts.”
Robert Hales, of Kaspa’s retained agent EJ Hales, said: “Despite the pandemic we have continued our cautious expansion – and on the south coast alone have recently opened stores at Poole, Horsham and Fareham, with a further opening soon at Southampton.
“We are delighted to have secured a strong site in Brighton, having been looking for several years for the right site.”
Letting agent Phil Graves said: “Despite the covid world we are now experiencing, we received multiple interest in this unit and managed to achieve the full asking rent.
“Major high street retail is obviously suffering at the moment but there seems to be a constant demand for good secondary outlets.
“I can see certain areas of the city continuing a resurgence of activity once lockdown restrictions recede.”
Graves Jenkins were understood to be seeking £40,000 a year based on a new long-term lease for the premises.
I’m glad something’s opening up where Maplin used to be but a dessert shop seems a strange choice nowadays when we’re all being encouraged to consume as little sugar as possible to avoid diabetes. Will the sweets use artificial sweeteners rather than sugar?
Good to see new businesses coming to Brighton.
As expected the “food police” are not happy and would prefer if it was a vegan fat-free salt-free cyclist-friendly establishment.
Perhaps leave customers to decide what they eat – an occasional treat can be great for the soul.
Have a look at their web site to see the range of desserts that they offer.
Poor location for such a business. I wish them good luck.
Totally agree
They know what they’re doing. The location targets a catchment area where residents are most likely to make impulsive unhealthy food choices based on seemingly low prices,sweetness and colourfulness. Those would be poorer families, young adults and students.
Sounds good to me, and I’m not young or a student, tho I do have a sweet tooth
There’s already Delightful desserts not far away selling waffles and ice cream etc…