Former Wilko site in Sunderland to go under the hammer
The shop closed in 2023 - and has been empty since.
Sunderland city centre’s former Wilko store is going under the hammer.
The Wearside branch of the national retailer closed its Fawcett Street branch in autumn 2023 as the historic retailer collapsed.
The hardware and furnishings retailer tumbled into administration after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers, with the Sunderland branch leaving a big gap in the city centre.
Wilko was originally founded by James Kemsey Wilkinson in Leicester in 1930 and employed 12,500 workers before its collapse.
The Sunderland site, which also once housed Binns, has been empty for the past three years, with the forthcoming auction offering a substantial retail investment.
It will go under the hammer at the latest Acuitus commercial property auction on September 17.
The prominent freehold 110,154 sq ft former Wilko store is being offered with vacant possession on behalf of a major fund and will be available at auction with a guide price of £750,000.
Over six floors, it comprises a large retail unit with street frontage and sales accommodation across the ground, first, second, and third floors, with ancillary space in the basement and on the fourth floor.
Alex Auterac of Acuitus said: "At a capital value of just £6.80 per sq ft, this property presents a compelling opportunity with significant scope for repositioning or redevelopment.
“We expect strong interest from a broad range of investors."
The Acuitus auction will take place on September 17th at 1pm and will be broadcast via livestream on the Acuitus website with bidding online, by telephone and by proxy. Further details here