What's next for the former Wilkinson’s store?

THE old Wilko site on Corporation Street has been identified as the potential spot for a new town centre theatre.

The planning papers say: “Demolition of the former Wilkinson’s store will provide the council with the opportunity to enhance its cultural and leisure quarter.

“Building on from Forge Island, this site in the longer term has been identified as the preferred option for a new theatre in the town centre.”

The application suggests demolition could take place between April and June 2023.

The land would be used as a compound for the construction works on Forge Island, before being developed itself in 2023 or 2024.

Early plans for Forge Island to include a theatre as well as a cinema were ditched about five years ago.