Work begins to transform former Wilko site for students
Tue, 24 February 2026
Contractors have started work to transform a former retail space into a new post-16 learning hub. The former Wilko store, in Ashton-under-Lyne town centre, is being remodelled as part of Tameside College’s town centre campus in preparation for its new intake of students this September.
The work follows the signing of a lease between Tameside Council and Tameside College to create additional learning facilities at the college’s Tameside One site. The development includes eleven classrooms, additional examination space and ancillary accommodation as an extension to their current base adjacent to the unit.
The project has received capital funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Department for Education (DfE) to support the growing student population at Tameside College. Tameside Council is leasing the former Wilko unit to the college to increase opportunities to live and learn in the borough.
A lease signing between the Council and college was held on Friday 24th October 2025 at an event that also showcased the exciting plans for the unit.
Jackie Moores, principal and CEO at Tameside College, said: “We are delighted to have made such rapid progress. The new facility will further extend our modern teaching and learning facility across the rest the campus. We welcome the support of GMCA, the DfE and Tameside Council to make this possible and look forward to opening our doors in September.”
Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture Cllr Leanne Feeley said: “I’m thrilled to see this project moving forward and that we have now signed the lease to make it happen. Transforming this empty unit into a vibrant learning space will give our young people greater access to high quality education and open up careers for them while breathing new energy into the town centre.”
To find out more about courses and facilities at Tameside College, visit www.tameside.ac.uk