Tesco to open at former Wilko building in Chippenham

Property developers, The Harkalm Group, swooped to purchase the former Chippenham High Street branch of Wilko following its closure in September.

The investment group plans to split the former store into three different units and announced that they have exchanged contracts with Tesco for a new lease on unit one, a 9,000sq foot space.

This comes after Tesco confirmed it would be closing its Emery Gate superstore and relocating to the High Street by opening a Tesco Express.

Works are due to be carried out at the site to provide Tesco with a shell ahead of fitting out its new shop.

Wilko, Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

Earlier this week, Harkalm’s senior associate Charles Percival told this paper that one of the units would face out onto the River Avon.

Plans have been lodged for a new shopfront on the corner of the building, which Mr Percival says would make use of the riverfront.

He added that Harkalm will be “inviting interest” in this 1,970sq foot unit soon and that it could be anything from a retail unit to a coffee shop or restaurant.

An occupant for the final unit, a 5,350sq foot site next to the future Tesco Express, is yet to be confirmed.