Compton Care hoping to take over old Wolverhampton Wilko shop
The old Wilko shop in Wolverhampton city centre could become a charity "retail superstore" and cafe if plans are given the green light.
Compton Care wants to take over the unit on the corner of St George’s Parade and Snow Hill to aid with fundraising efforts to support people living with incurable illness and has submitted plans to Wolverhampton Council.
Wilko left the site and relocated to the Mander Centre last year, leaving the unit empty.
Meanwhile Compton Care closed its own large store 100 metres away in Garrick Street last March to make way for the council's plan to create a Learning Quarter in the area.
The charity, which changed its name from Compton Hospice in 2018, runs 27 other shops across Wolverhampton, the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire.
As well as the flagship store, Compton wants to create a cafe and run community activities in the old Wilko shop.
Hamish Shilliday, director of income generation, said: "Compton Care has submitted a planning application to acquire the former Wilko’s unit on St George’s Parade with the aim of opening a flagship retail plus superstore.
"We hope to open a brand new concept retail destination store which will showcase the very best Compton Retail has to offer including: fashion, furniture, electrical items, a dedicated kids department and a range of new gifts.
"We also hope to have a Compton Coffee Cafe on site where people can pick up hot drinks and snacks.
"This space will also be used to deliver some of Compton’s Compassionate Community activities including hosting established activities including life café’s and bereavement information hubs.
"If successful this site would also bring opportunities for local employment and volunteering.
"All profits generated from the sale of goods within the store will enable us to fund care for local people living with incurable illnesses.
"If successful, this site would ensure our return to Wolverhampton city centre following the planned closure of our Garrick Street superstore to support the development of Wolverhampton Council’s learning and development quarter.
"We are currently working with the relevant bodies to ensure we adhere to all legal processes and hope to have further information on the success of our application in the coming weeks."
