New life for former Woolworths store
 | | WOOLIES TO WILKOS: The landmark store in High Road, Ilford |
DISCOUNT chain superstore Wilkinson looks set to take over the abandoned Woolworths site in the heart of Ilford Town Centre.
The two-floor site, in Cranbrook Road, stretches into The Mall shopping centre and has been empty since the company went bust late last year.
The takeover could generate a number of new jobs, which will be welcome relief in the week the Recorder reveals the jobless count in Redbridge is at its worst since the summer of 1997.
Marc Myers, manager of The Mall and chairman of the Business Improvement District, said: "We are delighted. They are a good operator and I have experience of working with them in Romford.
"They drive footfall into the area and are absolutely what we need."
It is thought the store will open in late autumn.
Clementswood ward's Lib Dem Cllr Irfan Mustafa, who sits on the planning and regeneration scrutiny committee, welcomed the news.
He said: "It is great that they are looking to take over at this crucial time.
"It doesn't look good when there are any closed or boarded-up shops in the town centre. It makes a lot of difference."
Woolworths went into administration in November and the Cranbrook Road site officially closed down a month later.
Former town centre manager Reg Woda said at the time he hoped a "reputable national firm" would occupy the building and it was thought that Tesco or clothing store Primark were due to step in.
Other Woolworths sites in Redbridge are set for a new lease of life.
The building in George Lane, South Woodford, is now the International Supermarket, while an Indian supermarket is due to open at the vacant store in High Street, Barkingside.
The site in Manford Way, Hainault, is due to be a supermarket while Tesco bosses plan to open a store at the former Woolworths in High Street, Wanstead.
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