**Swansea’s Long-Empty Retail Unit Set for a Fresh Start with New Tenant**
An empty retail unit in Morriston, Swansea, which has lain dormant for almost two years following the departure of a national chain, appears on the verge of a new chapter. Residents and business owners in the area are eyeing the imminent arrival of a new store to the former Wilko site, signalling a boost for the local high street and relief for a community keen to see an end to the shopfront’s long-standing vacancy.
The address at 44-50 Woodfield Street was previously home to Wilko, a familiar face on Britain’s retail landscape. However, after Wilko entered administration in August 2023 – causing the closure of stores nationwide and hundreds of job losses – its Morriston outlet shuttered for good the following month. Since then, the premises have stood silent, joining a growing list of empty units that have impacted town centres across the country in recent years.
Now, tangible signs of change are emerging. The retail brand ‘What!’ – a company specialising in homewares, furniture, stationery and more – has already installed signage at the site. Although a precise opening date is yet to be confirmed, anticipation is building around the store’s planned launch. The prospective retailer’s arrival is a source of local curiosity, sparking conversations among residents about the broader prospects of Woodfield Street’s shopping offer.
While What! is new to Morriston, it is not a stranger to Swansea more broadly. The retailer previously occupied the former BHS site on Oxford Street, launching in one of the city’s most prominent shopping destinations. However, in March 2021, What! notified Swansea Council of its decision to exit those premises, citing market pressures shared by many traditional bricks-and-mortar brands. At that time, Swansea’s retail scene was undergoing a rapid transformation, with several well-recognised high street names such as Debenhams, Topshop, Topman, and Dorothy Perkins closing their doors. Despite these challenges, new ventures and initiatives have been shaping the city’s commercial future.
The closure of anchor stores left gaps in prominent shopping centres, but local authorities have responded with regeneration and repurposing projects. One notable example is the ongoing transformation of the old BHS building, which will soon reopen as Y Storfa – a modern public services hub designed to attract thousands through its doors every week. Scheduled for completion later this year, the facility will host a central library, various council departments, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, and other community-focused organisations such as Citizens Advice and Careers Wales.
Hopes for further revitalisation are also pinned on the former Debenhams unit in the Quadrant shopping centre, where announcements regarding new occupants are anticipated. These developments are seen as crucial steps towards rejuvenating the city centre, restoring vibrancy, and offering a diverse mix of retail, leisure and support services to Swansea’s residents.
The decision by What! to return to Swansea and occupy a key high street position reflects a cautious optimism in the retail sector’s ability to adapt and recover. Local business groups have expressed guarded encouragement over the prospect of reduced vacancy rates and the injection of fresh employment opportunities in the area.
As the new shop prepares to open its doors, many will be watching closely to see whether it can defy current retail trends and enjoy a successful tenure at the heart of Morriston. In a climate where adaptability is critical, the mix of established national retailers and innovative local projects will likely determine the trajectory of Swansea’s urban regeneration.
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on local news outlets and council updates for an official opening date. For now, the installation of new signage after a prolonged period of inactivity provides a symbol of hope for shoppers and traders eager to see Morriston’s main street bustling once more.