M&S is investing in a new Foodhall to better serve the needs of local customers in Poole and Bournemouth. The new store will bring a high quality food and drink offer to Poole Retail Park and breathe new life into a site that has been vacant since early 2025.

The new M&S Foodhall will offer the the full M&S Food range, including fresh produce, ready meals, bakery items and seasonal favourites. The plans also include creating a new, separate unit for another retailer to occupy, improved cycle and car parking, new signage, and new fencing to the rear.

The site is located at Poole Retail Park in Branksome, close to the Pottery Junction and easily accessible from the A35. The former Homebase building sits at the entrance to the retail park and has been empty since Homebase closed in February 2025.

The existing building will be fully refurbished to create a modern M&S Foodhall, and a new separate retail unit. The cladding and signage will be replaced with new entrances installed to give the building a fresh and modern look.

The new M&S Foodhall will create around 90 new jobs across a range of roles including customer service, retail, logistics and management. M&S is committed to local recruitment and offers flexible working, competitive pay and strong training and development opportunities.

Yes. The existing car park will be upgraded and expanded. There will be 199 parking spaces including accessible and parent and child bays. Four electric vehicle charging points will also be installed, and 58 cycle parking spaces will be provided in several convenient locations across the site.

Yes. The site is well connected by local bus routes, with stops nearby on Alder Road, Ashley Road and Poole Road. There are also dedicated pedestrian paths and secure cycle parking for those arriving on foot or by bike.

The new M&S Foodhall will be fully electric (i.e. no requirement for gas). It will include energy efficient LED lighting, energy usage monitoring systems, and chiller doors to reduce energy demand. The site is also located close to bus routes and a train station.

Subject to planning approval, we hope to start works in early 2026, with the new M&S Foodhall opening to customers later that year.

We will continue to keep the local community informed as the project progresses. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact us at contact@poolemands.co.uk