Open Access
Close a police station, re-house two families and offer up some space for a new hyperlocal business within Wivenhoe - the shifting of the old police station up to the fire station is far from a bad news story.
The wisdom of Wivenhoe Town Council in not hanging around to purchase the central High Street property is now paying off. A new business opened up last week in Wivenhoe, with Bee Accessorized now occupying the space where police officers once stood behind a counter.
Wivenhoe local Belinda Warburton is behind the business, transferring her existing online and party organising operation to a physical shop space within the town:
“I deal in ladies accessories, anything from handbags and scarves, purses, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories. The beauty of opening the shop is that it has allowed me to put more gift items in.
I’ve been running my business since last February. I’ve been running lots of hen parties and events. I have people in Colchester who have my stock, but I really wanted my own space. I’ve been looking at Wivenhoe - I’m a Wivenhoe girl - I truly believe that what I do works well here.”
It’s quite a story as to how the old police property has been transformed from being an empty shell to now being owned by Wivenhoe Town Council, and then let out to two local families and the Bee Accessorized business.
Belinda explains:
“I had a newsletter through the door explaining what was happening to the old police station and that the middle bit was available for commercial let. I was really interested. The location is in the thoroughfare down to pretty much everything in Wivenhoe.
I came and had a look, spoke to Robert Needham the Councillor, and here I find myself after my husband has put in some very long hours to build me what I believe to be a really beautiful little emporium.”
Anyone expecting an old cop shop should take a wander down (or up…) the High Street and see how the space has been transformed into charming accessories set up. A shop sign is in place, and the whole front has now been opened up with a large display window. Stylish cabinets are in place inside. The long arm of the law has been replaced with handbags.
And so how has business been so far for Belinda?
“I opened last Saturday - the weekend was a little hectic. I’ve had really positive responses lots of people purchasing bits and pieces. People have been saying that they will tell other people about the shop. I’m really pleased.
I’m not aiming at one particular market - that’s the beauty of what I do. I have everything from young girls in here to more mature ladies. There’s something for everybody. If you are just looking for a present for someone, you will find something in here.”
Our ad hoc interview had to be paused to allow for a customer to make a purchase - always a good sign. Belinda is really keen for Wivenhoe folk to just take a wander insider the shop, see what is now on offer and just generally have a friendly chat about her plans.
It’s not quite ‘evening all, but Bee Accessorized is open Tuesday to Saturday 9am - 5pm, and then 11am - 3pm on Sundays.
Anyone still yearning for that out of office hours experience at the now transformed old cop shop can book a private shopping experience. Belinda is happy to open up for groups of ten or more in the evenings.
You can follow Bee Accessorized on Twitter, or like the Facebook page.
Probably more important though is just to take a wander along the High Street and say hello.
Fair cop, Gov.
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