How do I find out about this property?

[ButterMelonCauliflower]

My husband and I are currently looking for somewhere to set up a coffee shop and there's a shop near us that looks perfect. It used to sell knitting equipment but closed down a few years ago, from what I can gather. All the stock is still in the window and there is a mountain of post. How do I find out what the deal is? We've asked local estate agents but no one seems to know...
Thanks in advance, not sure if this is even the right place to post...

[InternationalHouseofToast]

You can look on the land registry site to see who owns the property but it may the people in the knitting shop, as that business hasn't needed to vacate the space after the buisness folded. It would be a place to start though, and costs £3.

[Badbadbunny]

All you can do is keep asking around. Have you asked the immediate neighbours, such as shops either side or flat above - they may know who used to run it or who owns it. Ask the local councillors who may be able to talk to backroom departments in the council who may have access to records. Ask local solicitors to see if they're acting for the estate if the owner has died.

But at the end of the day, if it's been empty for so long, it suggests that whoever owns it isn't bothered about renting/selling it out at the moment. Could be someone had died and there's arguments between the beneficiaries, or the owner's gone into an OAP home, etc. Lots of different reasons why properties are allowed to go derelict.

May be just easier to find somewhere else.

[ButterMelonCauliflower]

Great idea re land registry, thanks.
I've asked around - no one seems to know anything. I know it's probably more trouble than it's worth, and if the shop was available someone else would have it by now. I just want to find out as much as I can before I give up. Thanks for your help!