Wickes withdraws from retail park development in Skipton

Home Improvement retailer Wickes has withdrawn from a planned £6.5m retail park in Skipton.

Opus North, the development and investment company behind the project, has stated that it's still “extremely optimistic” about the future of the 35,000 sq ft retail park despite this recent setback.

Managing Director of Opus North Andrew Duncan explained: “This was not a reflection of the park itself, but of the downturn in the DIY sector. Wickes’ troubles have been well-documented. This month it has been revealed that Travis Perkins, the owner of Wickes, has increased prices to offset soaring costs from the Brexit-hit pound as it posted a 4.5 per cent fall in half-year profits. A number of stores have closed.

“It is vital to stress that our Skipton park, which features a 100-space car park, remains an extremely attractive proposition to retailers. We are experiencing high levels of interest from a number of household names, including Pets at Home, and hope to make an announcement about new occupiers in the near future.

Source: Insight DIY Team

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