Ramsgate mayor Raushan Ara did the honours this morning (May 1) to officially open Hidden Treasures indoor market in Ramsgate.
The market is offering everything from antiques to fudge and cakes and a vinyl record stall at the former JC Rook & Son’s shop in the town centre.
Businessman Behrooz Abdolvand bought the former butcher and pie shop in Ramsgate to be turned into Hidden Treasures.
The Persian businessman, who now lives in Margate, has made an investment to bring the site back into use.
Behrooz, who has two children currently studying at universities in Canterbury and Warwick, formerly worked in Iran where his business had the sole contract for laying the gas pipelines.
He has teamed up with Dave Humphries, who was in the paper industry before retiring and opening an antiques shop in Broadstairs and then Herne Bay.
The venue will also have a café, currently in progress, and a downstairs music area.
Dad-of-three Dave, from Broadstairs, said: “We will be open seven days a week. We have cabinets that people rent and stalls as well as our own antiques and collectibles.
“There are three large rooms upstairs and we will also have a kitchen and café and will seek permission for chairs and tables out the front.”
Mayor Ara said: “A very big welcome to David Humphries and Behrooz Abdolvand and congratulations on the opening of the new indoor market Hidden Treasures in King Street.
“I wish them the very best for the future, and it is wonderful to have another new business in Ramsgate. My hope is that other small businesses will join them in revitalising the town.”
To make enquiries about taking space at the indoor market, call Dave on 07717774075.
J C Rook & Sons shops closed in March last year after the firm went into administration.
The firm had been trading in Kent for well over half a century but owed some £2million when it shut, with some 137 people losing their jobs.
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