The once abandoned 22,323 sq ft site has sat empty since September 2023, following the collapse of the high street giant.
It was announced in November 2025 that the Vale of Glamorgan Council had purchased the building, made possible through a £950,000 loan from the Welsh Government, with the aim to transform the site as part of their wider regeneration strategy.
It’s an ambitious plan that was welcomed by many residents, many of whom were excited at the prospect of getting something new on the town’s main shopping street and seeing this huge unit back in use.
Approval has since been granted for a new indoor market at the site, something many residents expressed their desire for, that the council hopes will create “an exciting new destination on Holton Road.”
Before this market launches, a range of pop-up events will be hosted in the space to bring locals together and support local businesses, giving those in attendance a taste of what is to come with this former shop.
The first of these taster events, held on July 18 and 19, saw local makers, artists and independent traders welcomed to the site.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council told the Barry and District News that footfall figures reached around 750 people on the Saturday and 550 people on the Sunday, showing the sheer number of locals that came out in support of this event.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: “We’ve been delighted by the fantastic response to our first Arts and Crafts Market in the former Wilko building.
“It was wonderful to see the space brought back to life, and the Leader and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with traders and the hundreds of people who came along to support talented local makers, artists and independent businesses.
“The success of the event shows there’s a real appetite for a vibrant indoor market in the heart of Holton Road – and these pop-up events are an important step towards creating a more permanent destination that encourages people to shop locally, spend time in the town centre and support our local economy.
“We’re excited to build on this momentum and look forward to welcoming even more traders and visitors again soon as we continue this exciting new chapter for the former Wilko building.”
