Bolton: Final date set for Middlebrook Wilko closure

Administrators had already announced that the town centre’s branch of the troubled retailer is set to close on Thursday, September 21.

Now the store on Middlebrook Retail Park is set to follow suit on Friday September 29 making it amongst the last round of branches to be closed.

Joint administrator Zelf Hussain said: “Despite the significant and intensive efforts of both ourselves and Putman Investments, the remaining party interested in buying a significant part of the business as a going concern, a transaction could not be progressed due to the inability to reduce central infrastructure costs quickly enough to make a deal commercially viable.

"The dedication shown by all team members during this period has been hugely humbling and we are grateful for the patience and understanding they have shown.

The Wilko in Bolton town centre will also be closing (Image: Newsquest)

"As with those who have already been given notice of redundancy, we will guide and support those team members impacted over the coming weeks through the redundancy claims process."

"We also continue to collaborate closely with relevant agencies and engage with any potential employers to help facilitate a quick return into new employment for those impacted.

“We continue to work with potential buyers for different parts of the business and are confident of completing transactions in the coming days.”

The announcement that the town centre branch was set to close later this week had caused widespread dismay amongst staff and shoppers.

It followed several well known high street names in leaving Bolton town centre including Marks and Spencer earlier this year.

ALSO READ: 'Final date' set for Bolton Wilko closure

ALSO READ: Bolton Wilko location Poundland will take over is revealed

ALSO READ: Up to 71 Wilko stores to become Poundland shops in new deal

Speaking at the time, Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi said: She said: “It is a huge blow that the final date for closure is September 21, my thoughts are with the staff at the Bolton branch.

“I know that support will be given from the GMP and Bolton Council to help them find new roles.

“I hope that the administrators ensure that the best possible exit package is given to those hardworking staff members.”

Major retailer Poundland is now set to take over the space on Deansgate, but no plans have yet been announced about what will become of the vacant space at Middlebrook.