Old Wilko store to become new college building

The old Wilkos in Ashton town centre will be transformed into a new college building.

Sitting next to the Tameside One council building, the former homeware goods store on Market Place will be turned into extra space for Tameside College. Inside will see an additional eleven classrooms and additional examination space next door to the college’s current base.

The expansion into the old Wilkos, which shut down in 2023, will help the college meet growing demand for spaces, says Tameside council.

In 2019, the college had 2,000 students enrolled – rising to 3,500 in 2024, according to planning papers. Now this demand is expected to increase to 4,400 by 2026.

Applicants, Tameside College, are hopeful the space could be available for learners by September 2026.

The site has been vacant for two years, having closed permanently in September 2023 as part of the wider Wilko administration process.

When the plans were first launched in June, 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.‘’

Jackie Moores, principal and CEO of Tameside College and Clarendon Sixth Form College, added previously: “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.”

Tameside council’s planning panel officially approved the plans on October 15.