ST John’s Winchester plans to sell a prominent shopping terrace in the city centre.

De Lunn Buildings in Jewry Street, home to five retailers and seven residential flats, will be auctioned on February 16.

Clive Cook, director of St John’s, the charity that cares for the elderly, said: “This sale forms part of the strategic rationalisation of our commercial property portfolio which involves looking at the mix of retail, office, industrial and residential units in our portfolio.

"The proposed sale will not impact the rights of tenants or leaseholders but provides a buyer with a rare opportunity to purchase a freehold parade in Winchester, which is fully let and providing a healthy return."

St John's recently closed its care home, Devenish House on Southgate Street, and plans to develop new housing close to its main complex on The Broadway.

Mr Cook added: “Any proceeds of the sale will be deployed building new almshouses or acquiring other investment property as part of our ongoing plan to provide accommodation and care services designed to promote independence and meet the physical, personal and social needs of older people in Winchester.”

Mr Cook continued: “We have previously received interest in this property from prospective buyers so we are confident of a successful outcome. The market is currently strong, and we feel that an auction is an effective way to find a buyer.”

An online catalogue will be available on the auctioneers Acuitus website from January 26; anyone with any queries should contact David Margolis at Acuitus via telephone on 020 7034 4862, or through email on david.margolis@acuitus.com.

Meanwhile, work is well underway on an internal extension to provide an additional four rooms at Moorside, the charity’s specialist dementia care home in Durngate , which currently cares for 27 residents and providing day-care services.

Work should be completed by mid-March, 2017.