Big names vie for Wolverhampton Matalan site
Two national retailers are in negotiations to take control of the former Matalan clothes store in Wolverhampton, it emerged today.
The huge building on the busy Birmingham Road stands at 28,115sq ft and is being offered for rent.
It is hoped that one of the two companies locked in negotiations will move in and be trading before the end of the summer. The site is being offered on a leasehold through London based Edgerley Simpson Howe.
Sean Prigmore, from the firm, said he could not name the two firms involved in negotiations, but added that they were nationally recognised brands.
He added: "Detailed discussions are ongoing with two multiple retailers. These things take time but we are hoping to have someone in there and trading by the end of the summer.
"Discussions are complex but interest from two well-known names is encouraging."
B&Q moved out of the building in 1993 to be replaced by Matalan, which closed more than three years ago.
The store was last used as a home furnishings shop called Homeland but closed in October 2011 with the loss of 35 jobs just six months after opening.
The building, with a 160-space car park, is close to where Tesco is to open a superstore at the site of the former Royal Hospital. Tesco's plans were given the go-ahead before Christmas 2011.
