Former Wilko store in Bedford changes hands
A former Wilko store on Bedford High Street has changed hands between two undisclosed parties.
The 36,900 sq ft property overlooks St Paul’s Square and is near a variety of occupiers including Lloyds bank, Tesco Express, Vue Cinema, as well as a selection of bars, restaurants and cafés.
The upper floors of the three-storey former Wilko store, which has lain vacant since the retailer’s collapse in 2023, are expected to be redeveloped by the new owners.
KirkbyDiamond, which acted on behalf of the vendor, said there is early interest from a furniture operator regarding the leasing of the ground floor.
Nathan George, associate and head of agency at KirkbyDiamond, said: “While the closure of the Wilko store was undoubtedly a blow, the potential transformation of the building in a fantastic high street location by the new owners is very exciting.
“We really enjoyed dealing with this instruction and are very pleased to see another landmark building sold for redevelopment. It follows the sale of the former Debenhams building, which we completed earlier this year, giving the town centre retail sector a double boost moving into the new year.
“Before long we hope to have a new tenant trading from the ground floor which will be another positive lift for the town.”
KirkbyDiamond also marketed the former Debenhams department store which provides accommodation across six levels. Bedford Borough Council acquired the vacant 75,377 sq ft building in a deal negotiated by KirkbyDiamond.