Flagship Marks & Spencer store spanning 55,000 sq ft to get green light in boost for UK city – and it’s in old Homebase

PLANS for a Marks and Spencer store spanning 55,000 sq ft are set for approval – transforming an old Homebase unit. The proposals for the new store are set to be considered by the council this Wednesday, September 9. Shoppers have been urged to support plans for a new 55,000 sq ft M&S ahead of council meeting Credit: Whittam Cox Architects The supermarket will be located in a former Homebase unit Credit: Unknown Shoppers have been urged by the posh nosh supermarket to show their support for the new store and ensure it receives the green light. Plans for the new supermarket have been recommended for approval by Chichester District Council planning officers, reports The Argus, ahead of a meeting this week by the committee on September 9. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! The 55,000 sq ft flagship branch would be located at Discovery Park on Barnfield Drive. The Percy Pig maker would take on the site of a former Homebase unit which shuttered last November. The store would offer residents the full-line of M&S offerings, including food, fashion, home and beauty deparments, including the retail giants beloved “market-style” foodhall. Fashion lovers will also be able to pick up clothing in-store, including items from the brands iconic Autograph and Goodmove ranges. The proposed plans also cater for around 300 customer parking spaces, including EV charging points and parent and child bays. Chichister is currently home to two M&S branches located at North Street and Portfield Retail Park. Most read in Money Under the new scheme, the supermarket giant plans to shutter these sites, with staff moving to the new Discovery Park location. Regional manager at M&S, Simon Cherry, said: “At Discovery Park, we can create one of the most modern stores in the UK and deliver the very best of M&S for Chicester residents. “We are continuing to invest in our stores across Sussex, making sure each offers the widest range of products and an enjoyable shopping experience. “We’re grateful for everyone’s support so far and there is still time to show your support ahead of next week.” Residents can expect to hear a final decision from the council’s planning committee. Comment now