‘We bent over backwards to help Beghins’

‘We bent over backwards to help Beghins’

The shoe shop – one of Jersey’s oldest businesses – closed this week, with its owners blaming the property’s landlords for failing to agree a lease deal which would have secured its future in a challenging market.

But in a statement on behalf of Jazit Ltd, which owns the building, Michael Voisin said the claims made by UK-based Pavers Shoes were incorrect.

He said Jazit Ltd, the owner of 51-53 King Street, had offered significant benefits and terms of a new lease.

He said the building had not been properly maintained by the leaseholder and Jazit Ltd had to undertake significant expenditure to restore the property into a prime condition.

He added: ‘Pavers Shoes Ltd acquired Beghins Shoes Ltd, and discussions took place concerning the grant of a new lease on more beneficial terms than the existing lease, or alternatively Pavers purchasing the freehold of the property at a very discounted price.

‘Acting on advice from agents, it was not possible to agree terms for a new lease, nor were Pavers prepared to purchase the freehold which was offered to them at a substantial discount.

‘Pavers had been paying the rent for a year and while discussions for the grant of a new lease took place, the parties were unable to agree terms, despite the fact that Jazit Ltd was prepared to undertake, and has substantially undertaken, all the repair works to the property at its own cost.

‘The terms offered by Pavers for a new lease fell well short of current market rental values in King Street, and Pavers were not prepared to make an offer of rental approaching current market rental values in King Street.

‘Jazit Ltd itself is disappointed that Pavers was unable to continue the business at the property when it has bent over backwards to offer significant benefits and terms of a new lease.’

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