M&S’ long-awaited redevelopment of its iconic Marble Arch store has been approved, marking a significant step forward for the retailer.
- Initially proposed in March 2021, the redevelopment faced multiple challenges and delays, particularly under the previous government.
- In July 2023, then-Secretary of State Michael Gove turned down the plans due to concerns about the environmental impact and heritage conservation.
- M&S CEO Stuart Machin expressed relief and enthusiasm, stating that the project will rejuvenate Oxford Street and support thousands of jobs.
- The new design promises top-tier sustainability and a marked reduction in carbon footprint, positioning it among London’s most eco-friendly buildings.
The renowned retailer M&S has received approval for its ambitious plan to revamp the Marble Arch store, a decision that comes after nearly three years of setbacks. This announcement was confirmed on December 5, following the nod from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Originally pitched in March 2021, the redevelopment hit numerous roadblocks, largely attributed to political changes and regulatory concerns.
In July 2023, Michael Gove, the former Secretary of State, rejected the proposal. His reasons hinged on the potential negative impact on surrounding landmarks and conservation areas. Gove also highlighted the environmental concerns tied to the project’s carbon footprint and the failure to integrate existing structures into the new design. Despite these concerns, M&S contended that the complexity of the site, which consists of three interconnected buildings of different dimensions and ages, made retrofitting unfeasible.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin has been vocal about the delays, criticizing the previous government’s handling of the situation. He stated, ‘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 – the only retail-led regeneration proposal on Oxford Street – have finally been approved.’
The redevelopment is poised to not only transform the shopping landscape of Oxford Street but also contribute significantly to the economy by providing 2,000 jobs. Machin underscores the project’s alignment with governmental goals to revitalize urban spaces. ‘We share the government’s ambition to breathe life back into our cities and towns,’ he remarked, emphasizing the urgency and commitment to advancing the project promptly.
Sustainability is at the core of the new development, featuring a 120-year design life and achieving carbon payback within 11 years. The building will be among the top 1% in London regarding sustainable performance, operating on less than a quarter of the energy required by the current infrastructure. Furthermore, the project plans to recover, recycle, or reuse 95% of existing site materials while cutting water usage by half.
The approval of the Marble Arch project marks a pivotal moment for M&S, paving the way for a sustainable future on Oxford Street.
