A major high street chain is demolishing its headquarters after selling all of its 480 shops. WHSmith had been a British staple for over 230 years, but in 2025, the company agreed to sell all of its high street shops to Modella Capital in a £76 million deal. The chain revealed that it will be focusing on travel locations, including airports, railway stations, and hospitals.

It has now been reported that WH Smith’s headquarters building will be torn down to make way for 219 new flats and houses.

Local bosses told the Swindon Advertiser: “The demolition of the existing building has now commenced and all other structures associated with the site are to be demolished as part of the approved plans.”

Submitted plans show that the new properties will be located along the boundaries with Greenbridge Road, and recently built houses are part of a site in Smiths Lane.

The houses will make up the interior of the estate, with the five and six-storey flats forming the entrance and boundary markers of the site.

The development will also feature a walking track through the centre and a green area that has a children’s playground.

It marks the end of an era in which generations of shoppers relied on WHSmith for books, stationery, sweet treats and more. Though CEO Carl Cowling described the company’s shift in focus to travel outlets as a “pivotal moment” for the business.

The company already operates more than 580 travel branches worldwide, with the new owners planning to expand the network. In 2025, it was revealed that WHSmith planned to open more travel stores worldwide while closing up to 20 high street branches each year over the next three years.

Mr Cowling also stated that the travel business is thriving, with it accounting for 75% of the group’s revenue and 85% of trading profit.

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