A FORMER department store has been listed on the market.

The large Beales store in Kendal’s Finkle Street has been put up for sale, while the adjoining section of the shop has been listed for rent.

The store closed its doors in March after the chain went into administration.

Administrators KPMG admitted defeat in their bid to find a buyer for the 139-year-old chain’s remaining 11 stores – spelling the end of the huge store in the town centre.

The chain’s stores were closed two weeks earlier than previously planned due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The store has been listed for rent by estate agents Peill and Co.

The adjoining unit that was used to sell Dorothy Perkins products has been listed separately to the rest of the department store.

A listing said: “The property comprises a good retail unit arranged over basement, ground, first and second floors and is currently part of the adjoining Beales Department Store, operating under the fascia of Dorothy Perkins.

“But, subject to vacant possession being made available is available to let on a new lease independent of the department store. Further details are available on request.

“The subject property which is shown for identification purposes on the enclosed street traders plan occupies an attractive location on pedestrianised Finkle Street close to strong retailers including White Stuff, Jules B, Subway, Nationwide, Lloyds Bank, Wave Jewellery, Phase Eight, Pavers Shoes and a range of strong independent traders.”

The space is available for £33,750 a year.

Beales slumped into administration in January after efforts by company bosses to find a buyer failed.

The following month KMPG announced the closure of 12 stores over an eight-week period with the loss of 500 jobs.

Talks had been under way with ‘a number of interested parties’ to take on the remaining stores but KPMG’s decision had ended any hope of salvation, marking the end for the historic Bournemouth headquartered chain.