Jobs to be created as South Shields’ former Wilko store is set for a new lease of life
South Shields’ former Wilko store is set to be brought back into use.
One of the largest vacant retail units in South Shields town centre is set to be given a new lease of life.
South Tyneside Council’s planning department has approved plans to transform the former Wilko store by bringing the building back into use and creating jobs.
Plans for the mixed-use retail and leisure development, from High Point Estates Ltd, sought permission to convert part of the building, on Market Place, into additional car parking and create a new mezzanine floor.
Creating new jobs
Wilko previously occupied the whole building, including the large ground-floor retail area and first-floor warehouse with its own dedicated loading bay, according to planning documents.
The plans include subdividing the ground floor to create gym space with changing rooms, a staff office and reception, as well as a separate retail unit to rent.
Access to the retail unit would be via Market Place, while the main entrance to the gym would be at first-floor level, accessed from the rear of the site via River Drive.
The planning application said the development would create four full-time jobs and 10 part-time roles.
An accompanying design and access statement added that the plans would “bring back much needed activity and vitality” to the town centre while complementing local regeneration schemes, such as the planned town centre college campus.
‘Support investment and regeneration’
During a consultation, one letter of support was received from an unnamed local business, which said the plans would help “attract visitors and investment back into the area”.
South Tyneside Council’s planning department approved the plans for the former Wilko store on October 13.
Council planners said the scheme would “support investment and regeneration within a sustainable town centre location” and would not have any negative visual impacts.
A council decision report said the scheme would provide 60 car parking spaces, 56 cycle parking spaces and four motorcycle parking spaces, and noted that the plans would not result in an “unacceptable impact on highway safety”.
Officers added that the leisure and retail scheme would “facilitate the regeneration and reoccupation of one of the largest vacant commercial units within South Shields town centre, supporting investment, economic activity and footfall”.
For more information, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website and search for reference 260105.
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