After standing empty for two years, the last-remaining former Allders unit has been let this month.

Wickes has taken a 20-year lease at the 47,587 sq ft (4,420 sq m) store and 15,400 sq ft (1,430 sq m) of outside space in Southampton.

Landlord Prupim has agreed a rent of £666,218 a year with five-yearly upward-only rent reviews and monthly rent payments.

The store will open under the Extra format the second in the Southampton area and the 16th in Wickes’ store portfolio.

The 45-strong Allders chain collapsed in January 2005 and many stores were snapped up by rival retailers such as BHS, Debenhams and Primark, but others remained empty for months.

The length of time the unit was empty is an example of how tricky it can be to relet stores in some locations after a tenant fails.

Many former Courts units are still vacant after the retailer went into administration in 2004. Wilkinson Williams advised Wickes.