
A family-run Lancaster antiques centre will close in 2025 after 35 years in business.
GB Antiques at Lancaster Leisure Park will permanently shut on February 28 at 5pm.
One of the UK's biggest indoor antiques and furniture centres, at its peak GB Antiques attracted 220,000 visitors every year, and has around 120 individual dealers.
The news was announced with a statement on the GB Antiques page on Thursday.
"It's with a heavy heart, we announce that sadly GB Antiques will be permanently closing on February 28 2025 at 5pm," it said.
"First and foremost we want to thank every single one of you that has visited the centre over the past 34 years.
"All those that have bought from us, had stalls with us, partnered with us and helped us in any way shape or form. It’s been a wonderful adventure.
"Secondly we want to stress that Lancaster Leisure Park and all the other businesses on site will remain open, so please do continue to visit.
"Some key points we hope you find helpful: We will be open as normal seven days a week (check our website for full details) right up until our final day - so there’s plenty of time to make sure you get at least one more visit to see us - and there may even be some bargains available!
"As mentioned, the rest of the park and businesses will be open as usual.
"If you have any queries at all, the best thing to do is give us a call on 01524 844734 or alternatively drop us a message on here.
"Again, on behalf of Jimmy, Dawn & the whole GB team we’d like to thank you for your continued custom over the years."
The centre was founded and opened by Allan Blackburn in 1990.
Allan, who died in 2022, was a well-known antiques dealer, broadcaster and writer who appeared regularly on TV and radio, and in newspapers. He named the centre after his wife Gloria.
Son Jimmy and daughter Dawn have continued to run the family business, including the wider leisure park, after his death.
Over the years, the centre has welcomed many of the country's most popular antiques programmes including Antiques Road Trip who recently visited in 2023. Jimmy Blackburn is pictured below with David Harper from the BBC TV show.
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