// M&S to relocate into a new 80,000sq ft anchor store within White Rose Leeds
// The space is a former Debenhams unit. Work will begin in October with a target opening date in 2023
// All staff will be retained and transferred to the new M&S, and the existing store will remain open until the new store launches
Marks & Spencer has signed to relocate into a new 80,000sq ft anchor store within White Rose Leeds, an out-of-town retail centre Yorkshire operated by Landsec.
The new full-scale M&S store, formerly occupied by Debenhams which closed permanently in May this year, represents a significant upsize for the retailer.
It will feature a 15,000sq ft M&S Foodhall, as well as womenswear, lingerie, beauty, childrenswear, menswear, and home departments, and a café.
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All staff will be retained and transferred to the new M&S, with additional recruitment to support the larger store, and the existing store within White Rose will remain open until the new unit is ready.
The relocation followed Landsec’s proposals to transform the former Debenhams unit.
Landsec said it would invest “significant capital” into the unit, with planning secured for a new, full-height glazed frontage, and car park entrance including new electric vehicle charge points and enhanced public realm.
Works are set to commence in October, with a target launch date in 2023.
The move also forms part of M&S’s store estate transformation as part of its wider turnaround strategy.
“We’re really excited to announce our plans to move to a brand-new, larger M&S full line store in White Rose,” M&S regional manager Paula Varley said.
“All colleagues in our existing store will move to work in the new store and we’re also delighted to be creating new roles on top of this.
“This investment in Leeds and the wider local area is part of the reshaping of our store estate to make sure it’s fit for the future, meeting the needs of customers today – and those of tomorrow.”
Landsec senior portfolio director Pablo Sueiras said: “We have seen over the last year just how important the offer of brands like M&S has been, and we are delighted to have secured this upsize with them.
“Landsec has invested significantly to create this bespoke unit for M&S, which is undoubtedly the best way to transform this space to improve the White Rose offer for our guests.”
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