Marks and Spencer has unveiled its plans for a massive new store that will create around 120 jobs. The British supermarket chain aims to expand its food business across the UK, and revealed the 500 locations where it wants to open M&S Food stores. Recently, it submitted plans to redevelop and extend the former Homebase site in South Ruislip, London. The news has been well-received by local politicians, including Cllr Peter Smallwood OBE.
M&S has said the new store will “bring a wide selection of fresh, seasonal produce from M&S Select Farms, alongside everyday essentials and food, fashion, home and beauty range of M&S products not currently available in the area”. It comes after the supermarket recently opened a number of smaller food stores across the UK, including its new one in Clapham, South West London. The new South Ruislip store would have a sales area of 61,000 square feet, as well as a sizeable Food Hall.
“Of course, it would have been nice to see something like this on the Ruislip High Street, but the reality is we simply don’t have a site of this size available on our High Street,” said Cllr Smallwood. “A development like this needs space, and this location provides it while still being easily accessible for local residents.
“This is a significant investment, expected to create around 120 jobs and deliver a modern, refurbished retail space. It’s a strong vote of confidence in Ruislip.
“Just as importantly, it’s great to see Marks & Spencer returning to the area, a brand people trust, and one that will bring more people into Ruislip to shop and spend locally.”
M&S says, in its current plans, there would be more than 300 parking spaces as well as 34 secure cycle parking spaces.
Additionally, M&S recently opened stores in Luton (Bramingham), Hatfield and Farnham, as it rolls out its ambitious expansion plans across the UK. The supermarket aims to become a go-to destination for a weekly shop, and recently pointed out how many of its items are only 1p more expensive than the same thing in Aldi.
Locals in Ruislip shared their excitement over the development. One Facebook user wrote: “Great news, we would welcome this store back, having missed the one in Ruislip High Street. A positive move forward.”
“Let’s hope planning permission goes ahead. We could do with a really good M&S in the area with easy parking,” said another.
A third wrote: “Really hoping this goes ahead. Very positive for the area and local community. Miss a local Marks.”