A vacant supermarket building in Shaftesbury town centre has sold at auction for £656,000 to Horsham- based businessman Richard Whittemore.

The family-run business turns over £52 million a year and has several businesses across the south of England including petrol stations, convenience stores and car workshops.

“We will bring a convenience store to the property in which the local people have expressed an interest,” said Richard.

He is plans for the third-of-an-acre site to become a car servicing garage, similar to Richard’s Elite Garages, on Southampton Road, Salisbury. There may also be small shops rented out to local businesses. Upstairs could be converted into flats.”

The convenince store and village garage plan would create 15 to 20 local jobs, and renting the shops could provide another 20 positions.

“We went to view the property the other day and loved what we saw of Shaftesbury. We are looking forward to settling in and working with the local community who have all been incredibly friendly,” Richard added.