M&S has finally received approval to redevelop its Marble Arch site after years of legal battles.
- Plans include demolishing three existing buildings to create a 10-storey mixed-use development.
- The project faced strong opposition, initially being blocked due to concerns over heritage impacts.
- A High Court ruling overturned the block, citing errors in applying planning policies.
- M&S aims to rejuvenate the area with plans for 2,000 jobs and significant sustainability features.
After a prolonged period of delays and disputes, M&S has received the go-ahead from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government to proceed with its major redevelopment plans for the Marble Arch site. This marks the end of a nearly four-year struggle to begin their transformative vision for this prime location.
M&S plans to demolish the existing buildings at the site and replace them with a modern, 10-storey complex. This new development will include a flagship store, office spaces, a smaller retail outlet, an arcade, a café, and fitness facilities, aiming to enhance both commerce and community interactions in the area.
Initially, the redevelopment faced opposition due to potential negative effects on nearby heritage sites, especially the grade II-listed Selfridges building. Former housing secretary Michael Gove rejected the plans in 2022, citing insufficient public benefits to outweigh the historical concerns.
However, M&S’s persistence in court bore fruit when a High Court judge ruled earlier this year that errors were made in interpreting planning policies. This decision allowed M&S to contest the block and eventually obtain approval.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasising its role in revitalising Oxford Street while supporting 2,000 jobs and promoting sustainability. The redevelopment is seen as a crucial step to breathe new life into London’s renowned shopping street.
The approval of M&S’s redevelopment plans signifies a pivotal moment for Oxford Street, promising economic growth and sustainable urban development.
