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A long-standing town centre business is transitioning following the retirement of its owners.
Ian and Helen Platt, who ran The Cramlington Cobbler, based at Manor Walks Shopping Centre in Cramlington, have retired – but their legacy will continue in a new form.
National retailer Timpson will open a store in the same unit, near Sainsbury’s, retaining the existing team.
Laura Hopper, area manager at Timpson, said: "We’re really excited to be joining Manor Walks and becoming part of the Cramlington community.
"The Cramlington Cobbler has built up a fantastic reputation and a very loyal customer base over many years, so it’s important to us that we retain that local connection and continue to look after customers in the way they’re used to.
"We’re delighted that Mark will be staying with us as part of the Timpson team.
"His experience and the relationships he has built with customers over the years will be an important part of the new store, and customers will continue to see the familiar face they know and trust."
The new Timpson shop will be more than three times the size of the previous 95 sq ft cobbler’s premises, which opened in 1996.
It will offer traditional services such as shoe repairs, key cutting, engraving, and watch repairs, with additional services including dry cleaning, photo ID, photo processing, and personalised gifts.
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Lee Farrier, head of commercial and workspace at Advance Northumberland, said: "Welcoming Timpson to Manor Walks is a positive addition to the centre and supports our wider strategy to strengthen the mix of retail and services available to customers."
"The arrival of an established national brand in a substantially larger space demonstrates continued confidence in Manor Walks and the opportunities the centre provides for retailers.
"It is also particularly positive that the existing team will be retained as part of the transition, maintaining valuable local experience while bringing an expanded range of services to Cramlington."
Timpson is expected to open its new store in early autumn.