It’s official… B&M will be taking over the old Wilko store at the heart of Earlestown Town Centre.
This major unit in the town centre has been lying empty since the collapse of Wilko in September 2023, leaving Earlestown with a huge hole in its retail offer.
But now B&M has confirmed the local rumours… and announced that it’s grand opening will take place on Friday, 28 March.
Meanwhile, in further good news for the town centre, it’s been announced that Pimlett’s Pies will also open on Market Street – apparently after several failed attempts to move into the town previously.
Securing these two big names is a great boost for Earlestown, which is preparing to feel the benefit of £28m worth of regeneration, which will include a completely remodelled town centre, focused around the market square.
Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron, member for Newton-le-Willows East and Deputy Leader of St Helens Council, said that the imminent regeneration was the deciding factor for both B&M and Pimbletts Pies as the council entered negotiations to secure both retailers.
He said: “When Wilko closed, we and council officers wrote to a number of potential end users who were realistically looking for a store in a town the same size as ours. B&M originally didn’t include Earlestown in that original first lot of shops. So we’ve lobbied them since. The regeneration of Earlestown has been quoted as a massive pull for the business.
“Pimbletts pies have tried to open in Earlestown a couple of times, and previously we’ve supported them with access to grant funding from Liverpool City Region to convert a building that ultimately fell through (the deal, not the building).
“We’ve continued that relationship with them and helped to secure the unit which now has the shop front in place on Market Street.”
Meanwhile, a new Banking Hub is also due to open on Market Street in the coming months, too. Information events have been held locally to explain to local customers about how the hub works, and what services they can expect.
All in all, lots of good news for Earlestown!
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