New Wilko's brings 60 jobs

Homeware giant Wilkinson is to open a huge new store in Halesowen creating more than 60 jobs, the Express & Star can exclusively reveal.

The retail chain will take over the site of the former Safeway in Hagley Street.

It brings to an end more than a year of speculation about the land.

The store - known as Wilko's - is expected to open early next year after the firm agreed a deal with owners of the 34,870sq ft site, Vale Retail Ltd.

Adrian Oliver, from Vale Retail, said the move would be a huge boost for the town.

"This is really great news for the people of Halesowen," he said.

"I think this will be a big help for business in the town centre and should bring in a lot more shoppers.

"Wilkinsons is a great retailer and will no doubt prove as popular with the people of Halesowen as it is with the rest of the Black Country."

The new store will replace the existing branch of Wilkinsons on Halesowen's High Street, with all jobs being transferred to the new store.

Harold Jackson, councillor for the Halesowen South ward, said he would welcome a new Wilkinson store opening in the town.

"The site has been empty for about a year so it's definitely good news for the town," he said.

"Work has started on the site. Fencing has gone up around it and people have started going in and out."

A worker at Wilkinson in Halesowen confirmed the new store was set to open next spring.