Barretts of Canterbury: 28-30 St. Peter's Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BL

The 80’s started with Barretts biggest ever building project, the redevelopment of all their property facing St Peter’s Street - from number 26 to 30. 26 and 27 had been allowed to decline since the war because it was thought they would be demolished to make way for a new showroom. However they had been listed in 1975, and following a survey it was ascertained that they had 13th century origins. It was therefore decided to fully restore these two properties to their former glory.

At the same time, with the lifting of the planning blight, No 28 (the pre-war electrical shop and post-war car showroom) was to be demolished and a brand new showroom with offices above was to be built right up to the edge of Pound Lane. The design of this building was a very complicated process because the council did not want a single block, but something that reflected the historic style and character of the area. After 9 months consultation with John Chater, the conservation officer, the design was agreed with its varying mass, rooflines, windows and detailing.

Work began in 1979 with a new petrol station being constructed, then, throughout 1980 there was complete upheaval as the new building was put up; the business carried on behind this activity as best it could - the salesmen’s offices were in garden sheds for the summer!

The opening of the new building was a double celebration because October 20th 1980 was also the launch of the then much awaited Austin Mini Metro, a car that was to improve both Barrett’s and British Leyland’s fortunes.

If there was optimism on the car side of the business, regrettably this could not be matched on the shop side. Because of radical changes in High Street shopping, particularly the rise of the multiples, it was decided to stop selling bikes and prams and reduce the size of the premises in Rose Lane. The front section was let out to C&H Fabrics whilst the toy and model departments were relocated into the car showroom that had been vacated by the opening of St Peter’s Street.

The fourth generation of the Barretts family, Geoffrey’s son Paul, and Douglas’s son Shaun joined the Company in 1983, becoming Directors in 1984. Paul assisting his father in the garages whilst Shaun was with Douglas at Rose Lane. Indeed his arrival coincided with the final iteration of Rose Lane when the toy, model and sports departments were closed and the focus was put into Barretts Sound and Vision, specialising in TV and audio equipment.

Sadly the last link with the second generation was severed when founder George’s son, and Company Chairman, Reg, died in October 85.