Wilko building demolished after 127 years in town centre

THE shop front of the former Wilko in Rotherham town centre is being demolished this morning.

Demolition work on the building on Corporation Street began last month after Rotherham Council acquired the site in January.

The council said the move was to prevent it from becoming long-term empty premises and was part of its plans to regenerate Rotherham town centre. 

High street household, DIY and homewares chain Wilko closed the store in June last year after 127 years in the town centre. 

Rotherham town centre’s store was among 16 branches shut by the company across the country.

Heavy plant machinery has been in operation on the back of the building for several weeks as the structure was taken down in sections.

The council has said the materials will be recycled and reused in other projects across the UK. 

Commenting last month, Cllr Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for business and economy, said: “The closure of Wilko’s after such a long time was clearly a loss but sadly this is a pattern seen in other town centres across the country. 

“So rather than leave the building empty we want to use the space to help facilitate the wider Forge Island development over the coming months.”