Former Wilko store transformed into college campus

A former Wilko store has been transformed into a new college campus for construction students in Nottinghamshire.

West Notts College opened the Portland Square centre following a £3.1 million redevelopment of the building on Outram Street in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

The site was left vacant after Wilko went into administration in August 2023, leading to hundreds of store closures nationwide.

College principal and chief executive Andrew Crockley said of the refurbishment: "For people that come into the town centre, it's the first building that you see of any scale."

"It now looks fantastic, it's really crisp, and it's a building that is about creating new opportunity and prosperity, that's a great symbol for the town."

Ashfield District Council bought the old Wilko with funding from its £62.6 million Town Deals allocation and leased it to the college long-term.

Vaughandale Construction in Mansfield carried out the conversion, creating practical workshops, 12 classrooms, staff facilities and student breakout areas across 2,438 sq m (26,242 sq ft) of space.

The facility is for students and apprentices studying electrical installation and plumbing at levels 1 to 3, providing them with industry-standard practical workshops to gain essential trade skills, alongside modern classrooms and learning spaces.

The new campus accommodates an average of about 280 students each day, rising to as many as 350 on its busiest days, the college said.

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