Work is well underway on transforming a huge abandoned Wilko store into Kent’s largest indoor market.

The Folkestone town centre site has been an empty eyesore since the retail giant went bust almost two years ago.

But it could soon be buzzing with customers, with space on the 17,000 sq ft ground floor for more than 200 traders selling vintage and upcycled goods - along with a cafe.

New owner Richard Tozer told KentOnline: “It’s going to be a destination that people will love. If you build it big enough, people will come.”

He picked up the keys for the building on the corner of Sandgate Road last month.

“You would not believe the work that’s gone into this. It was full of shelving. I think it was 30 to 40 tonnes all gone in two weeks,” he said.

“And the state of the floors under the shelves - it took three days just to mop them.”

Mr Tozer, who also runs the Petticoat Lane Emporium in Ramsgate, hopes the Folkestone venue will be open by the middle of June.

“I’ve got a bit of a passion for this,” the 62-year-old said.

“It’s been my whole working life - 47 years in the trade. It’s not just a business; it’s my life.

“We’re trying to attract creative traders, antiques, collectables. It’ll be within the theme of our other store in Ramsgate.”

Mr Tozer added that “the doors are open” to interested traders, with deposits now being accepted for market pitches at £55 per week on a four-week basis.

In Ramsgate, the market he runs with his wife Ruth, son Toby and daughter Waverly is housed within a 10,000 sq ft historical warehouse, where stalls are managed independently. It will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year.

The new cafe at the new Folkestone location would operate similarly to the Ramsgate site’s Baker Street Cafe and Bar.

Meanwhile, on the first floor, rooms will also be available to rent for creative workshops.

Wilko started closing its stores across the country in September 2023 after declaring bankruptcy, with 12,500 people losing their jobs.

While several of the 15 units in Kent have been filled by new owners, the large Folkestone branch has remained unoccupied.

Mr Tozer says they are delighted to have snapped up the site, as the town has “so much going for it”.

“It’s got a vibe, and we are chuffed to be a part of that,” he added.“Folkestone is the one place we kept coming back to, and then we found the building, we did the numbers and thought we could make this a really attractive spot for traders.

“So we bit the bullet and it’s a lovely location. I don’t think you could get much more central, and the size of the building is pretty perfect.

“There’s so much going on. You’ve got Primark and Asda on one side and the harbour arm and Creative Quarter on the other. I feel like we’re going to drag customers from both ends.

“This is probably one of the most important towns in the south east. We’re probably Kent’s biggest indoor market - that’s something to boast about.”