New life could be generated into a town centre as an empty shop next to a vacant department store goes under the hammer at auction.

The former Ryman stationery business in Chatham High Street is among the lots up for grabs at the Clive Emson land and property sale.

Situated next to the old Debenhams, which has been empty for more than three years, it has a guide price of between £280,000 and £290,000.

Auctioneer John Stockey said: “The lot includes the retail unit on the ground floor and mezzanine floors.

“Behind the brick façade the first floor has been demolished. The unit is in a prime spot on the high street with good footfall.

“We have an eclectic mix of Medway lots in the sale and are pleased to report that the market remains strong.”

Debenhams was bought by Medway Council last June for £2.2 million using a grant from the Future High Street Fund.

It is being marketed for uses such as leisure, community, culture and education, with housing earmarked on the upper floors.

Another opportunity at the sale on Thursday, June 15, is a plot opposite 20-30 Weybridge Close in Chatham, with planning permission for four, two-bedroom flats.

The freehold guide price is £140-150,000.

Also on offer is 357 Walderslade Road in Chatham, an end-terrace house with three bedrooms in need of improvement. The freehold guide price is £240-250,000.

One more lot is 15 Purbeck Road in Chatham, a house for improvement that is currently let at £12,000 per annum.

The semi-detached three-bedroom house has a guide price of £230-235,000.

Also available is 20 Curzon Road in Chatham, a mid-terrace three-bedroom house for improvement with a freehold guide price of £160-165,000.

Another lot is 132 Delce Road in Rochester, an end-terrace two-bedroom house with a freehold guide price of £170-180,000.

A further lot is 49 Duncan Road in Gillingham, a mid-terrace two-bedroom house for improvement with a freehold guide price of £195-200,000.

In Gillingham, at 1-2 Livingstone Buildings, in Barnsole Road, is a vacant ground floor commercial premises and two flats above sold on long leases.

Currently it is let at £300 per annum with no income from the flat. The guide price is £35-40,000.

Clive Emson Auctioneers holds auctions eight times a year. It offers specialist advice for auction purposes in Essex, London, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the West Country.

It is one of the top five property auctioneers in the UK.