Retail chain Wilko has announced an opening date for its new store in the Charlton retail park.

It’s a sliding doors moment for the chain, who will vacate their massive store which fronts Woolwich’s General Gordon Square in the event that Greenwich Council’s big relocation of the leisure centre to that site goes ahead.

Cabinet members in January approved a proposal to continue the relocation of the Woolwich Leisure Centre to a new premises facing General Gordon Square, in the building currently occupied by Woolwich’s Wilko.

The move would see over-55s housing complex Troy Court, a pub and other businesses along Vincent Road knocked down to make way for the leisure centre and new housing, with Wilko to vacate the site.

The Charlton store will open for the first time on Friday, October 2, with the firm stating the new site will launch with 59 employees.

The store, which will be part of Greenwich Shopping Park on Bugsby Way, will be the retailer’s 416th UK store.

Chris Ward, Retail Director at wilko, said: “We are delighted to launch our eleventh London wilko store in just three weeks’ time. Greenwich is a fantastic district and we’re sure that our fantastic local team members will make the store a friendly location and a must visit for those looking to stock up on products for their homes and gardens for years to come.”