A LEADING tile specialist is to set up shop in the former Pets at Home unit on Canute Place.

Monckton Properties, part of the Tatton Estate, has announced that Topps Tiles is to launch its first boutique format store outside of London in Knutsford.

Topps Tiles will be housed in the 2,500 sq ft commercial unit, located between McClaren and Sainsbury at 3/7 Canute Place, and the store is expected to the public in late spring.

Pets at Home occupied the unit for more than ten years before closing its doors in June 2014.

Jim McCain, of Tatton Estate Management Ltd, said: “We are delighted to see this prime unit reoccupied. Monckton Properties and the Tatton Estate take great care to conserve and improve buildings and we know that residents in Knutsford take the same pride in their homes.

“We are really pleased that Topps Tiles is bringing its unique boutique format to the town which will provide local people with more choice for home improvements.”

Unlike regular Topps Tiles stores, the new store concept in Knutsford will centre around a large consultation table, were customers will be able to access specialist design advice.

Visitors will also be able to use a digital visualiser to view different tiles in real room sets or assemble tile samples to assess the overall look.

Warren Bester, property acquisition manager at Topps Tiles, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our Topps Tiles expertise to homeowners in the Knutsford area. We’re excited to be launching the boutique concept outside of London for the first time and we are confident that our customers will enjoy the new shopping experience.”