Wellington Town Council has purchased the former home to Halifax and Oxfam on Walker Street, marking the latest milestone in the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.

The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to regenerate Wellington, following recent momentum from the Market renovations and other local infrastructure projects such as The Orbit and the renovation of the former YMCA. The purchase was funded through a Public Works Loan, a move that received broad community support during public consultations in 2021.

The council’s primary objective for the site is to protect Wellington’s architectural heritage while ensuring the building remains a functional asset for the community with a quality retail offer to ensure ongoing local economic prosperity.

“This purchase demonstrates a significant and tangible investment in our town by the Council,” said Councillor Paul Davis. “Our goal is to preserve the unique character of this building while ensuring it contributes to a vibrant, modern Wellington.”

The council has outlined a clear vision for the building’s future:

Ground Floor: To be refurbished as a prime retail space designed to attract a high-quality commercial tenant.

Upper Floors: To be converted into high-standard residential apartments, increasing the availability of quality town-centre living.

Local Impact: In line with the Council’s commitment to the local economy, local contractors will be prioritised to carry out the necessary renovation works.

While the building was awaiting its next phase, the Council was pleased to provide a temporary home for Telford African and Afro-Caribbean Resource Centreduring the Christmas period to support their hurricane relief appeal.

With that appeal now concluded, the unit is empty and ready for renovation. While work is underway, the Council has installed attractive vinyl coverings on the windows – with the message ‘investing in our town for the future’ as well as a silhouette of the Wellington landscape to maintain the visual appeal of Walker Street.