Empty Wilko unit set to be filled

The empty Wilko unit in the heart of Ashton town centre is set to be taken over by Tameside College.

Town hall bosses have approved the lease of the former Wilko unit next to the Tameside One council building – which closed in 2023. The store closed permanently in September 2023 as part of the wider Wilko administration process.

Subject to Tameside College’s governing body in July and securing capital funding, the vacant shop could create an extra 350 spaces for learners from September 2026. 

This would see an additional eleven classrooms, additional examination space and ancillary accommodation as an extension to the college’s current base next door.

According to the local authority, Tameside has an increasing demand for post-16 education provision and an insufficiency of places. This could see an increasing number of young people not in education, employment or training – which is why the council have pushed for this latest move.

Tameside Council executive member for lifelong learning and culture, Coun Leanne Feeley said: “I’m delighted to let residents know about the exciting decision to lease our unit to Tameside College. Enabling spaces like this in our borough ensures that our young people can access a high quality, enjoyable and inclusive education, supporting them to reach their full potential.

“Not only is this great for our young people, it also supports our aims of reigniting our town centres.‘’

Leasing this space to Tameside College will enable the council to assist with their aim of delivering additional resources and infrastructure to support growing communities. 

Jackie Moores, principal and CEO of Tameside College and Clarendon Sixth Form College, said: “We are excited about this opportunity as it allows the college to continue to meet the needs of more of our local school leavers at a time when the college has no space to grow further. 

“The college has a longstanding relationship with the local authority and we have been fully supported by officers and elected members to ensure that more Tameside young people can access high quality educational estate. 

“This continues the decade long ‘Vision Tameside’ strategy to secure high quality estate for learners and our staff, in which to work, study and meet the skills needs of local and regional employers. It also aligns with the GM Combined Authority and DfE desire to support the school leaver ‘bulge’ in GM. 

“The project is subject to securing additional capital funding and board approval by the Corporation. We hope to be in a position to agree the lease by the end of the summer.”