New use for former Devizes Wilko could 'attract shoppers'

Wilko's Devizes High Street branch closed permanently in September, after the retailer entered administration, and the unit has since remained vacant.

While the town council doesn’t own the building, town clerk Simon Fisher told this paper he was hopeful the owner could locate a new use to add another attraction to the town centre.

He said: “Principally we want to see it occupied and being used, I suspect the size of the unit is too big to be an independent retailer, although I could be wrong.

“There is always space for one or two larger retailers that support some of the shopping habits that people have.

The former Wilko store in Devizes (Image: Newsquest)

“Ideally we’ll get someone in there who is selling the products that people want to buy and it will become another draw into the town.”

Mr Fisher added he was “concerned” about a recent spate of graffiti targeting the store and leaving it looking “untidy.”

While the town council has worked to remove the graffiti, it is hoped the property’s owner filling the unit will discourage further vandalism.

Cllr Jonathan Hunter added: “It’s a very attractive site and I’d like to see a presence in there that brings people into the town.”