Marks & Spencer’s proposal to revamp its Marble Arch store has finally been approved by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
After years of bureaucratic challenges, the ambitious plan was initially presented in March 2021 but faced several hurdles. The previous administration stalled the approval process, and in July 2023, then Secretary of State Michael Gove rejected the project. His concerns included potential harm to nearby heritage sites and the environmental impact of demolishing the existing Art Deco structure.
Despite these setbacks, Marks & Spencer pressed on, filing an appeal in February this year. With the recent government’s backing, the redevelopment is poised to contribute significantly to Oxford Street’s regeneration. Stuart Machin, CEO, expressed his satisfaction, emphasising the unnecessary delays under the previous government and highlighting the project’s role in revitalising the prominent shopping location. Machin states, “I am delighted that, after three unnecessary years of delays, obfuscation and political posturing at its worst, under the previous Government, our plans for Marble Arch have finally been approved.”
The redevelopment will establish a flagship store and office space, creating an estimated 2,000 jobs. It promises to set a benchmark for sustainable practices in construction, as the design life of the new building spans 120 years with a carbon payback period of just 11 years post-construction. The innovative plans will see the building among the top 1% for sustainable performance in London, consuming less than 25% of the energy used by the current structures, while striving to recover, recycle, or reuse 95% of the existing site materials. Water consumption is expected to be halved.
However, the project’s critics, including Michael Gove, voiced concerns about the balance between its public benefits and the impact on conservation areas. The existing site’s complexity, comprising three different buildings of various ages and heights, was cited by Marks & Spencer to explain why retrofitting was not a feasible option for creating a modern retail environment.
In response to these challenges, Marks & Spencer has committed to fast-tracking the development process. The company aligns its objectives with the government’s ambition to revitalise urban centres across the UK, focusing on building and growth initiatives.
The approval of Marks & Spencer’s Marble Arch redevelopment signals a significant step towards rejuvenating Oxford Street. It highlights ongoing efforts to blend modern retail demands with sustainable construction practices, promising a positive impact on London’s iconic shopping district.
