THE Bridge Street Mall in Andover has been sold by Sainsbury’s to a private property company.

The mall comprises eight units ranging from 500 to 1,350 sq ft and with four units let has a current income of £40,000 per annum.

The new owners propose to occupy two units and following refurbishment they will market the remaining two units through London Clancy.

David Mills, head of property communications, at Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, said: “We bought Bridge Street Mall ten years ago so we could expand our established town centre store.

“However, we chose to keep the store the same size after gaining planning permission for another store in the local area.”

London Clancy acted for Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd in selling the freehold interest.

“There are challenges with Bridge Street Mall following changes to high street retailing countrywide and the surge of the internet,” said James Clay of London Clancy.

“But with two units being immediately occupied and some freshening up of The Mall we are confident that the vacant units will let quickly.”

Although he could not confirm who the new owners were he added that they had started developments in the mall and that they had received enquiries from hairdressers and hot food establishments into possibly taking up some of the remaining units.

“I would hope within six to eight weeks, possibly within three months you will see them trading in the new units,” he said.