Major Regeneration Move: Demolition Application Filed for Former Wilko Site

A formal planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the former Wilko store and the Shop Mobility premises on Broad Street. This move is a key part of Stafford Borough Council’s ambitious plans to revitalise the town centre and prepare the area for a new mix of residential and commercial developments.

Former Wilko Store in Stafford Town Centre

The Scope of Demolition

The application, validated on 27 February 2026, details the removal of several key structures within the site. The buildings slated for demolition include:

• The Former Wilko Store: A substantial two-storey reinforced concrete and steel-framed building measuring approximately 35 m x 50 m. It includes a large open retail hall on the ground floor and a double-height loading bay to the rear.

• Stafford Shop Mobility: A single-storey building located immediately southeast of the Wilko store, constructed of loadbearing blockwork with a lightweight roof.

• Public Toilets: The project also includes the demolition of the smaller public toilet building located on the site.

  
  

Demolition is currently proposed to begin on or as soon as possible after 30 March 2026. The work is expected to follow an approximate 20-week programme, with the site being left clean and clear of voids once the buildings are removed to slab level.

History of the Site Purchase

The acquisition of these "key strategic" sites was a pivotal move by Stafford Borough Council to speed up town centre regeneration. The council agreed to purchase the former Wilko store and 10-12 Gaolgate Street earlier in 2025, but the details were kept confidential due to commercial sensitivities until they were officially revealed on 22 August 2025.

The purchase was funded using government money the council secured to regenerate the town, specifically the Future High Streets Fund. By taking the initiative to acquire these ailing or empty buildings, the council created a larger footprint for transformation intended to attract further interest from major national investors and developers.

Environmental and Ecological Findings

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal conducted by Tetra Tech found that while the site is highly urbanised, certain precautions are necessary. The former Wilko building was identified as having low roosting suitability for bats, leading to a recommendation for a single bat emergence survey between May and August to ensure no protected species are disturbed.

The survey confirmed that the public toilet building has negligible bat roosting suitability. However, the buildings and nearby urban trees were noted as suitable for nesting urban birds, such as gulls and pigeons. Consequently, any clearance work during the nesting season (March to August) will require an ecologist to check the site 24 hours prior to commencement.

What is Next for Broad Street?

The ultimate goal for the site is a complete redevelopment into a mix of residential and commercial spaces. This project joins other major investments in the county town, such as the Staffordshire History Centre and the new £22.5m Institute of Technology for Stafford College. By clearing these underutilised sites, the council is aiming to create a town centre fit for a county town where people can live, work, and relax.