Wilkinson Williams

We were aware that Wickes' former store in Edmonton traded particularly well and justified expanding to become a large format "Wickes Extra".

Their store was positioned alongside Courts, who went into administration in 2004. Wilkinson Williams identified this opportunity and acted on behalf of Wickes in acquiring the Courts lease from the administrator.

During the course of the next 18 months, we simultaneously agreed terms to surrender Wickes' lease to the landlord, Land Securities, whilst agreeing to take a new lease over the Courts building, subject to major refurbishment works. As part of the process, we also agreed to take a surrender of the Natuzzi (former Kingdom of Leather) sublease once we bought the Courts lease.

Land Securities were then able to subdivide the existing Wickes unit and extend it over the garden centre, paying Wickes an additional capital sum.

In early 2007, Wickes opened their largest store (62,000 sq ft) in the former Courts unit and this continues to be the number one trading store in Wickes' portfolio.