Major UK high street chain to demolish HQ after selling all 480 shops | UK | News
A major high street chain is demolishing its headquarters after selling all 480 of its stores. WHSmith has been one of Britain’s leading companies for more than 230 years, but in 2025 the company agreed to sell all of its high street stores to Modella Capital in a £76 million deal. The chain said it will focus on travel destinations including airports, train stations and hospitals.
It has now been reported that WH Smith’s headquarters building will be demolished to make way for 219 new flats and houses.
Local bosses told the Swindon Advertiser: “Demolition of the existing building has now started and all other structures associated with the site will be demolished as part of the approved plans.”
Submitted plans show the new properties will be located along the boundaries of Greenbridge Road, with recently built homes part of a site on Smiths Lane.
The houses will form the interior of the property, with five- and six-storey flats forming the site’s entrance and boundary markers.
The project will also include a walking path passing through the center and a green area with a children’s playground.
It marks the end of an era when generations of shoppers relied on WHSmith for books, stationery, sweet treats and more. But CEO Carl Cowling described the company’s shift in focus to travel stores as a “pivotal moment” for the business.
The company currently operates more than 580 travel locations worldwide, and the new owners plan to expand the network. In 2025 it was revealed that WHSmith plans to open more travel stores around the world while closing up to 20 high street branches each year over the next three years.
Mr Cowling also said the travel business was also thriving, accounting for 75% of the group’s revenue and 85% of its trading profits.
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