Empty Wilko store could be transformed into college

Residents have welcomed plans to turn a vacant Wilko store into a college site for construction students.

West Notts College has submitted an application, which could see the former shop in Outram Street, Sutton in Ashfield, become a new construction school for 16 to 18 year olds.

The empty Wilko, which closed last year, would be refurbished to create classrooms, workshop space, offices, and a canteen across three floors within 29,428 sq ft, the college said.

If approved, the new site would open to students in September 2025.

Mary Carnell, 80, said the town centre was "looking sad".

The lifelong Sutton resident looked at the now abandoned Wilko store and said: "Anything is better than it being empty."

Kayleigh Pearse, a mum of three and teacher in the town, said there were many empty shops in the town centre.

"Absolutely loads," the 38-year-old added. "It's got worse over the last couple of years.

"Since Covid, it's just so many people who just can't afford the little shops that used to be around, and it just means that everywhere is sort of empty - but it's the same in every town centre."

Ms Carnell said the community needed more vocational schools, adding that the closest permanent college to Sutton was in Mansfield.

The college would be a "good thing" if the plans were approved, she said.

"It means more children get the opportunity to go to college, not venture into Mansfield or venture into Bilborough or wherever. I think it would be beneficial," she added.

Pam Jackson, 59, was also in favour of the plans, adding: "I think that would be pretty good.

"I think the nearest one is in Mansfield. It's a long way to travel to Mansfield from some places."

Ms Jackson, who likes DIY projects, said she used to shop at Wilko for her art and craft activities.

"I miss [Wilko]," she said. "Everyone misses it a lot. It's not the same now."

Gavin Peake, director of IT, estates and learning resources at the college, said the building was in a "fantastic location" with good public transport links.

He said: "It will increase the number of campuses where people can learn construction trades, following our recent acquisition of the former Mansfield Brewery site, which will welcome learners on joinery, plastering, brickwork, and property maintenance courses from September 2024."

Ashfield councillor Samantha Deakin said the college would help "shape the future" of the young people in the area, adding: "If approved, this will see another empty property in the area brought back into use and will be a welcome boost to retailers in Sutton with an increase in visitors on a day-to-day basis."

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