BIG name brands have been urged to look at taking over Colchester's former Wilko store. 

Located in St John’s Walk, the unit is currently on Rightmove after it was listed by the commercial property management and building survey firm, Whybrow.

Wilko closed in September last year after the business announced it would be shutting 52 stores as part of a major structuring plan to save 300 branches.

Following the closure in October, shoppers had their say on what brands they would like to see move into the vacated space.

Building - another image of the former Wilko storeBuilding - another image of the former Wilko store (Image: Newsquest)

One of the most popular options at the time was an indoor market.

With it almost being a year on since the closure, the 34,741sq ft unit is still available to rent for an undisclosed price, and more ideas have been shared on what it should be turned into.

At one point in time supermarket giant Tesco had three stores in the city, including the superstore at the Hythe which was built in the early 1990s and in St John’s Street, built in the late 1970s.

The St John’s Street Tesco was eventually replaced by Wilko but reader Andrew Maclean believes that it may have been positive if Tesco kept the space after all.

He said: “Looking back, perhaps Tesco moving from this location wasn't their best move, what with all the housing development around the old garrison and apartments around the city.

Builders - construction workers in St John's Street 1979.Builders - construction workers building in St John's Street 1979

“It would do a great deal of trade now.”

Jess Pudding would like to see a different supermarket retailer take the space.

She said: “We need a Farmfoods in Colchester.”

Shopper Claire Derring does the think previous suggestion of a market is a good idea.

She said: “The people of Colchester have been asking for an indoor market for years.

Closed - Colchester MP Pam Cox outside the closed WilkoClosed - Colchester MP Pam Cox outside the closed Wilko (Image: Pam Cox)

“It's about time Colchester Council listened to what the people want and to regenerate our dying city centre.”

Raymond Moore has offered two very different ideas.

He said: “Why not turn this whole building into a proper indoor market or emporium?

“Or perhaps put a bus station there as apparently that's where it used to be.”