THE owners of a Maldon shopping arcade have started work on restoring a dilapidated high street building.

The bosses at Edwards Walk Shopping Arcade in High Street, Maldon have begun work on its newest venture, a “micro bar” at 21 and 21C High Street.

The building, formerly a shop was left in a “terrible condition” before it was taken over by Giles Ford, owner of Edwards Walk Limited.

He said: “We have started our next redevelopment of our recently acquired sister building at 21 High street.

“None of us have ever seen such terrible condition window frames – just pure neglect and botching.

“It’s going to take a lot of love and attention to bring this one back to its former glory, but we will take pleasure in doing this.”

Mr Ford said he was keen to avoid opening another business similar to any currently in Maldon High Street.

He claims the opening of a micro bar will encourage more people to enjoy the night life in Maldon.

The bar’s application states it will run on a select amount of stock that will be regularly replaced.

The business plans to offer a range of craft beer and wine from independent producers, where it is replaced with a new brand the moment it runs out.

Mr Ford is confident a new business like this will help to “revitalise” Maldon High Street.

He added: “I wanted something that was going to extend the life of the High Street, and bring in a new culture in the area.

“We were inundated with offers from charities, coffee shops, barbers and other small businesses which we have a lot of in the High Street.

“I wanted there to be something a bit different.

“It is too easy for property owners to go for the first thing they are offered.

“There are not many places appropriate for the over-30s, and that’s what we want to create.”