Belvoir Shopping Centre owners Gylo says that Poundland did not move into the former Wilko store in Coalville as the 'offer was nowhere near reasonable'.

Coalville Nub News has been told that Poundland said that it wanted to take over the site last year before holding any talks with Gylo.

Poundland has since said they did not come back to the Belvoir Centre as it had not been able to reach an agreement to do so.

Gylo now says that Poundland's offer meant the 'commercial terms did not add up'.

But Gylo has confirmed that it is still working on bringing Poundland back to the precinct 'alongside' the new PureGym which is due to open this summer on the former Wilko site.

A spokesperson for the Shopping Centre owners said: "Gylo has an excellent relationship with Poundland, and Gylo consider that Poundland is an excellent retailer who offers a great experience to its customers.

"The situation here is that, in the wake of the collapse of Wilko, Poundland publicly indicated that they were interested in taking several of the soon to be vacant stores in various locations around the country. They indicated Coalville was on their list prior to any serious dialogue with Gylo. 

PureGym is coming to Coalville this summer. Photo: Steven Hatton | Dreamstime.com

"Acceptable commercial terms for rent and lease arrangements still had to be agreed, and despite Gylo's best efforts, what was on offer from Poundland was, I'm afraid - as many other landlords experienced - nowhere near what was reasonable in the market or acceptable to Gylo as the landlord.

"It is understandable why profit-driven retailers want to take advantage of the opportunities offered by failed retailers, but they cannot expect landlords to agree commercial terms which simply do not add up.

"The good news is that Gylo will continue to work positively with Poundland to explore other options in the Belvoir Centre and it is hoped that in the future the shopping centre will be able to offer both a new Poundland alongside the new PureGym, which will provide a terrific state-of-the-art 24/7 gym right in the heart of Coalville.

"That's great news for local choice and PureGym offers great value flexible memberships.

"Gylo would very much welcome Poundland's return but it has to work for all parties for it to work long term for Coalville."