Ex-Wilko shop to be demolished for new development

The shop in Wakefield has been empty since Wilko collapsed in 2023

Wakefield's former Wilko store is set to be demolished to enable the redevelopment of the southern entrance to the city centre.

The store, on Kirkgate, shut down in 2023 after the high street chain went into administration.

The building is one of five commercial properties in the area due to be knocked down to clear space for new homes and business units as part of a council regeneration scheme.

The Sweet Sensations, Hi Sushi, Mini Market and Mattress and Divan Centre shops will also be demolished under the plans.

Wakefield Council obtained nearly £25m worth of funding for the scheme from the government's Towns Fund in 2019.

Approving the work following a planning proposal submitted by the council itself, a planning officer's report said a further application would have to be submitted before the site was redeveloped.

Wakefield Council wants to redevelop the Kirkgate area

Lower Kirkgate is considered a major city centre gateway and a key route to Wakefield's waterfront.

The council previously described the area as a "blight" on the city, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The project also aims to encourage "younger professionals" to live in the city centre and "bring year-round day and evening vibrancy" to the area, according to the council.

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