Units 7 & 8 Rufus Court, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2JW

LOCATION
The subject property is located within Rufus Court, a characterful courtyard just off the bustling Northgate Street. Accessed via a period brick archway, the courtyard is established as one of Chester's most distinctive leisure and retail destinations, combining independent boutiques, bars, and eateries around a pedestrianised, retail-culture square.

Some surrounding occupiers within Rufus Court include Alexanders Live, Porta, Bread & Butter, Junkbox Apparel, Pronto Pasta Bar, Books on the Walls, Stigma Tattoo Co, alongside Chez Jules, The Red Lion and Marmalade close by on Northgate Street, creating a vibrant, footfall-driven trading environment popular with both local residents and visitors.

Chester serves as the principal retail and leisure centre for affluent west Cheshire, south Wirral and North Wales, and remains one of the UK's foremost tourist destinations, attracting over 8 million tourist visits each year.

DESCRIPTION
The subject property comprises two adjoining ground floor retail units (7 & 8 Rufus Court), available to let separately or as one combined unit. Each unit has its own independent glazed shopfront and entrance door onto the courtyard, allowing for flexible occupation to suit incoming tenant requirements.

The accommodation is arranged entirely on ground floor, with each unit benefiting from recessed spotlighting, wood-effect flooring, and a fitted counter area. There is currently an opening in the wall dividing the units providing access between the two. This will be sealed if the units are let separately.

To the rear of Unit 7 there is useful back-of-house space, including a fitted preparation/storage area with plumbing and drainage in place. Unit 8 is currently fitted with a disabled WC. Both units benefit from direct pedestrian access onto Rufus Court courtyard, with the potential for limited outdoor seating in front of the property, subject to landlord's consent, availability of space and access requirements.

ACCOMMODATION
The property has been measured in accordance with the RICS Code of Measuring Practice as follows:

Unit 7                           206 sq ft (19.16 sq m)
Unit 8                           396 sq ft (36.75 sq m)

LEASE
The premises are available on lease terms to be agreed.

Please note leases will be contracted out of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954. A deposit of a minimum of 2 months rent and service charge will be required.

SERVICE CHARGE
Tenants are responsible for the repair of the interior and shop front. A Service charge is levied to cover the maintenance and upkeep of the external common areas of the development. This is estimated at £832.70 per annum for Unit 7 and £1,165.78 per annum for Unit 8.

RENT
Unit 7                        £6,500 per annum
Unit 8                       £11,000 per annum

VAT
We are advised that VAT is payable on rent and other outgoings at the standing rate prevailing.

BUSINESS RATES
The Valuation Office Agency Website confirms that the Rateable Value for both units is £11,500 as from 1st April 2026, however, this will need to be split if the units are let separately.

As the Rateable Value is below £12,000 occupiers may be eligible for 100% Small Business Rates Relief meaning no Business Rates are payable.

Please contact Cheshire West and Chester Council non-domestic Rates Department directly for confirmation.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE
Unit 7 has an Energy Performance Asset Rating of B40.
Unit 8 has an Energy Performance Asset Rating of C51.

A full copy of the Energy Performance Certificate is available to download.

CODE FOR LEASING BUSINESS PREMISES
We draw your attention to the RICS Code for Leasing Business Premises which came into effect on 1st September 2020, a full copy of which is available for viewing via the agent.