Council hopeful of finding new tenant for Mansfield's former Wilko store

The outlet on Clumber Street closed its doors for the final time at the end of September, having first opened in 1979, after the company collapsed into administration back in August and a potential rescue bid from the billionaire owner of HMV, Doug Putman, failed.

More than 120 stores have been bought between them by Wilko’s rivals Poundland and B&M – but Mansfield is not thought to be among them.

However, Coun Stuart Richardson (Lab), the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and growth, told a full council meeting there may be hope for a new tenant moving in.

He said: “The disappearance from the high street of a well-known name is a blow.

"It is a large footprint and follows previous large store closures and the wider economy remains vulnerable.

“Regeneration officers have acted promptly, making contact with the site’s agents to understand their intentions and a meeting has now been arranged to discuss this with them.

“Further, it is understood that some interest in the site have been reported which remain confidential at this stage, but support has been offered to help them be progressed through planning and regeneration services.”

Coun Ben Brown (Con), who raised the issue, said: “I think we can all agree, given its excellent location and large car park, the site would make an ideal location for an indoor market.”

The council says it has offered support to employees at the store, as well as those who worked at the Manton headquarters, near Worksop, who lived in Mansfield.

Several other businesses have also volunteered to help find new jobs for anyone made redundant.

The Department for Work and Pensions and National Careers Service offered jobs, training and benefits advice directly to those affected.

Coun Richardson added: “It was a very emotional time for the employees, many of whom had worked at the store for a long period of time.

"I hope the council will agree that every effort was made to support the staff.”