What We’re Proposing

Marks & Spencer is proposing a new foodhall that will deliver the very best of M&S Food to local residents, from an established shopping destination.

Key Features:

  • A brand new M&S food hall with the full range of M&S Food

  • A second unit for a bulky goods retailer

  • Creation of 58 cycle spaces and 4 electric vehicle charging points

  • Enhancements to the building’s visual appeal

The planning application will also seek to allow the sale of food and drink so that we can sell the full range of M&S food products, including fresh produce, bakery items and seasonal ranges.

Sustainability First

The new store will be fully electric and designed to reduce energy use. It will be fitted with energy-efficient lighting and will support M&S’s Plan A commitments to become a net zero business by 2040.

Key sustainability features include:

Energy-efficient lighting and services

EV charging infrastructure

Use of energy management systems

Good public transport links

Easy to Access, Easy to Shop

The site is ideally located along major roads with easy access by car, bus and bike and with dedicated pedestrian paths. Local bus routes stop nearby on Alder Road, Ashley Road and Poole Road.

Our plans also include:

  • 199 customer and staff car parking spaces, including blue badge and parent & child bays

  • 58 cycle spaces

A Boost for Local Jobs

The M&S food hall will create around 90 local new jobs across a range of roles, including retail, customer service and logistics. M&S is proud to offer market-leading pay, generous staff discounts, and a range of benefits and training programmes.

The opening will also support construction, supply chain and fit-out roles, with a strong focus on using local contractors and expertise.

Community Benefits

The opening will help to support the over 1,200 Select Farm partners M&S works with across the South West, as part of its commitment to responsible sourcing and regional supply chains.

As one of the UK's largest private sector employers, M&S is also proud to create opportunities for young people facing barriers to work through its Marks & Start programme, delivered in partnership with The King's Trust. The scheme has supported 12,000 young people to gain valuable retail experience, including over 700 young people across the South West region.

Since 2015, M&S has worked with redistribution platform Neighbourly to ensure any edible food surplus from its stores reaches those who need it most in the community, working with local food banks and charities.