Failure to get interest in Woolies

Kidderminster's empty Woolworths store has failed to attract any interest despite a year-long search.

Receivers CBRE have been trying to find a new leaseholder, or buyer, for the Worcester Street store.

Today they admitted no "occupational interest" was shown in buying or leasing and no short-term deals were being reviewed.

CBRE say they will look at all available options over coming months. They say there are options open to them but declined to give any further details until a review had been done.

They took over the site at the beginning of October.

Former Woolworths stores in Dudley, Stourbridge and Kingswinford have been taken over by new firms.

Dudley's site is a Plaza Mall, and owners expressed an interest in a similar development in Kidderminster. This did not materialise after reviews of Worcester Street footfall by the firm.

The Kidderminster site has old fittings visible from the outside. The old red and white Woolworths sign also remains in place.

Tom Perkin, spokesman for CBRE, said: "We are still determined to find a new use for this site which is important to trade in the town centre."

Worcester Street has been hit hard by the recession but town bosses are more optimistic after it was confirmed a Hooty's store was to open at the former Littlwoods Index store next to the former Woolworths.