Boyes has signed a 10-year lease on a former Wilko store in Dunstable.
The 43,000 sq ft, two-storey property at Ashton Square has been vacant since Wilko collapsed into administration in 2023.
Andrew Boyes, chairman of Boyes, said: “We are looking forward to opening our store in Dunstable, which will be the 83rd in the Boyes Group. It is a large property which will lend itself to our style of trading where we offer a constantly changing range of over 30,000 products for the home and family.
“We are sure it will create an interesting and convenient place for local people to shop for their everyday essentials and lots of other items they didn’t even realise they needed. We hope to become established as an integral part of the local shopping scene, and to help revitalise Dunstable town centre.”
Rachel Pearce, strategic estate manager at Central Bedfordshire Council, which owns the unit, added: “We are thrilled to work with Boyes and welcome them into Dunstable. This is an important letting for both the town and Central Bedfordshire Council and will provide a much-needed retail outlet for the people of Dunstable.”
Hannah Niven, associate and head of North Herts and Luton agency at Kirkby Diamond, which acted for the council on the letting, said: “The confirmation of Boyes’ forthcoming arrival is a significant moment for Dunstable as it could spark the start of a town centre renaissance. The property has been vacant for almost two years so to see it busy and welcoming customers will be a massive boost for the retail sector in the town. The hope is that the opening of such a large flagship store will mark the beginning of a new era.”
