M&S to redevelop Marble Arch store as part of its "Never the Same Again" programme
The redevelopment of M&S' Marble Arch store and the surrounding site at the western end of Oxford Street will give this landmark retailer the opportunity to unlock additional value to support its "Never the Same Again" programme. The scheme is also part of an accelerated plan to create M&S stores fit for the future.
M&S engaged with the community on the proposed development of their Marble Arch store earlier this year with a planning application submitted in June 2021. The application has now received approval from Westminster's Planning Committee in November 2021. G&T is providing Cost and Project Management services to M&S for the redevelopment.
M&S is proposing a new landmark mixed-use building with flexible retail space at the lower levels and Grade A sustainable offices above. This provides the opportunity to redevelop the public realm giving back space to pedestrians with new routes created through the site as well as a new pocket-park. The building is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL Platinum and WIRED Platinum accreditation for the offices which would make the site a market-leader in sustainability as well as health and wellbeing.
© Pilbrow & Partners
The redevelopment will also enhance the setting of the Mayfair Conservation Area, Portman Estate Conservation Area and Grade II* Listed Selfridges through the new design.
Throughout the pandemic Marble Arch remained a much-valued local store serving essentials to the community, however M&S must acknowledge that the character of retail is changing. The plans are part of M&S’ “Never the Same Again” programme, under which it has been shifting gears in creating a store estate fit for the future. This is the next stage in this programme, which enables M&S to unlock value from the site as well as retaining a modernised store in the west end of Oxford Street, delivering the best of M&S for customers, colleagues, communities and shareholders.