Former Wilko store set to become £4m training hub

A former Wilko store in Sutton-in-Ashfield is set to be transformed into a new training centre, providing a boost to construction skills in the area.

With £4m in Towns Funding, Ashfield District Council and West Nottinghamshire College will convert the building into a space for students aged 16-18, adult learners, and apprentices to train in plumbing, electrical installation, and green skills like ground source and air source heat pumps, photovoltaics, and electric vehicle charging.

The project will create classrooms, workshop space, offices, and a canteen across three floors of the 29,428 sq ft building, as well as renovation of its façade.

It’s hoped the campus will open in September 2025, providing places for around 400 students.

This development is part of Ashfield District Council’s £62.6m Towns Deal, which is funding 17 projects aimed at boosting the local economy.

A 125-year lease has now been signed, and the college is set to begin work on the conversion in the coming months.

Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College said: “I am delighted this landmark agreement has now been secured. Our new construction centre will create exciting opportunities for local people across a range of rewarding and well-paid careers, and support businesses in meeting their skills needs.

“The centre will provide a great environment for students and enable us to further modernise our curriculum. It will bring hundreds of students into Sutton town centre every day, bringing economic benefits to high street businesses and breathing new life into this large-scale, unused building.

“I am also excited about the knock-on benefits to our other campuses in Ashfield, with major changes coming to our Station Park and Oddicroft Lane sites to respond to the ever-increasing demand for skills in both construction and engineering.”

Cllr Vicki Heslop, ward member for Sutton said: “We are excited to move forward with this fantastic project to turn the former Wilko store in Sutton town centre into a new educational facility for construction students in Ashfield and beyond.

“This will be the fourth construction facility for West Nottinghamshire College and will allow Ashfield’s young people the opportunity to gain valuable skills to set them up for the future. The building is in a fantastic location, close to shops and local amenities, and will provide a welcome boost to local businesses.”