By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 11:58, Saturday, 20 October 2012

Carlisle's Hoopers building has gone on the market for £2 million.

Hoopers paid £2.2m for the Carlisle store in 2006

The three-storey Castle Street site reopened last weekend after a proposed sale to the Edinburgh Woollen Mill fell through.

Storeys Edward Symmons has been appointed to market the department store in Carlisle and said “strong investor interest” was expected.

Managing director Bill Lynn said: “This is a significant addition to the regional investment marketplace and offers in excess of £2m are being sought.

“Given its enviable location, overlooking the cathedral, we anticipate substantial interest in the property as an investment or redevelopment opportunity.”

The building on Castle Street was bought by Hoopers in 2006 but closed in August with the loss of 83 jobs.

At the time, Hoopers was hopeful of a quick sale to businessman Philip Day, chairman of Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

The company announced last month, however, that the deal had collapsed, prompting the decision to reopen last Saturday as Hoopers Outlet.

The new venture is employing approximately 30 staff. Only the ground-floor sales area and the first-floor restaurant are in use.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh Woollen Mill says it remains in talks with Hoopers about buying the store, which traded as Bulloughs for nearly a century.

First published at 08:43, Friday, 19 October 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk