Marks & Spencer has announced plans to relocate its Ormskirk food hall to a new 18,000-square-foot megastore in nearby Burscough, West Lancashire. The proposed store, triple the size of the current location, would include an in-store bakery, dedicated wine and flower shops, and a click-and-collect area.
New Store Details
The site, formerly a care home, is located just an eight-minute drive from Ormskirk high street. If approved by West Lancashire Council, M&S would cease operations in Ormskirk and transfer all existing employees to the new store, while also recruiting an additional 25 staff members. The megastore would also feature 152 parking spaces.
M&S has been voted Britain's best-loved supermarket for five consecutive years. The move could make the food hall more accessible to residents across the West Lancashire area.
Local Reactions
Some residents have expressed concerns about the potential relocation. Kristian Yates, a local worker, told Lancashire Live: 'I work here in the town centre and I think M&S is really important. It’s in a convenient place and it sells good quality food. If we lose M&S, we could lose other shops too.'
Kate Travers, another resident, called the move 'a shame,' adding: 'The Ormskirk M&S is also very accessible. It’s good for people who walk, cycle or drive. But if M&S goes to a retail park at Burscough, it’ll increase traffic there and people who don’t drive will have difficulty getting there.'
The council has not yet made a final decision on the proposal.
M&S Expansion in London
In addition to the West Lancashire plans, M&S has opened four new stores in London. An 8,900-square-foot store on Mitcham Road in Tooting Broadway launched last week. Another location on Tottenham Court Road opened on June 9, featuring an in-store bakery and coffee counter. Stores at Bell Green Retail Park in Sydenham and The Elephant Development in Elephant and Castle are expected to open later this year.
