M&S Foodhall to move across city's Blackpole Retail Park

The retailer’s plan to open up a bigger premises has been approved by Worcester City Council’s planning committee.

The current M&S Foodhall will be closed and a new one opened in the Oak Furnitureland and Bensons for Beds stores.

MOVING: The current M&S Foodhall at the Blackpole Retail Park (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS)

Members of the planning committee finally had a chance to debate the plans on Thursday (May 21) at the Guildhall. The application had been on the agenda for March’s meeting but was deferred at the last minute so planning officers could consider the impact of the newly-adopted South Worcestershire Development Plan Review, a planning blueprint for the area.

Warndon councillor Jill Desayrah had initially raised concerns the new, bigger food hall would compete with the M&S on Worcester’s High Street and could eventually lead to its closure.

But a condition has now been attached to the planning approval meaning it won’t be able to sell clothes.

Cllr Desayrah formally withdrew her objection “following the explicit exclusion of the sale of clothing”.

SCHEME: M&S Foodhall will take over units 6 and 7 at Blackpole Retail Park (Image: M&S)

She said: “I happily acknowledge that, within the appropriate planning constraints, investment into the Blackpole retail park has the potential to deliver positive outcomes for Worcester through job creation, increased consumer choice, and wider economic activity.

“The proposed development is likely to become a successful and attractive retail destination.”

She said residents still have “longstanding infrastructure, traffic management, accessibility and general upkeep” of the retail park.

Other councillors raised concerns about the wider traffic problems around the retail park.

Cllr Ed Kimberley said the area around Blackpole Road is “deeply unsafe” because of the congestion and M&S has been “caught in the crossfire”.

Councillors agreed that planning chair Karen Lewing should write to Worcestershire Highways with the committee’s planning concerns and to retail park owner Legal and General about anti-social behaviour, litter and other issues.

Cllr Desayrah said she was pleased with the committee's support for her concerns and hoped the council responded accordingly.

Planning officer Laura Wall said the new food hall is expected to create 21 new jobs.

Phil Marsden, town planning manager at M&S, said there will be full and part-time roles, including supervisor and managerial posts.

He said the current M&S Foodhall no longer meets the retailer’s requirements.

“The proposal is simply to provide an improved food hall at Blackpole Retail Park. It does not impact our Worcester city centre store,” he said.

“Customers will notice a big difference with a hot chicken counter, new bakery and improved store experience.”

He said the new store could be open by spring 2027.

Under questioning from councillors, Mr Marsden said M&S has “no plans to move out of the city centre store”.

M&S said in late papers submitted before the meeting: “The proposed larger Foodhall will enable M&S to sell its full food product range from an enhanced store environment.

“This includes new ranges such as ‘Nutrient Dense’, and ‘Only Ingredients’.

“The new foodhall will complement the existing M&S store in Worcester City Centre, which will not be affected by this proposal.”