// M&S to shut London flagship if it does not receive approval to demolish and rebuild
// The scheme has led to backlash and strong opposition, and a public inquiry has launched
Marks & Spencer has warned it will close its flagship store on London’s Oxford Street if it is not allowed to rebuild it.
M&S said it was “unsustainable” to continue trading in the current building.
The retailer is seeking to demolish the building near Marble Arch and rebuild a new store, along with offices, an arcade, a café and a gym.
The scheme has led to a backlash and strong opposition, and a public inquiry is now deciding its fate.
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Those against the plans argue that the 90-year-old landmark store should be refurbished rather than knocked down.
Opponents of the redevelopment say the scheme would release almost 40,000 tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere.
Almost 5,000 people have signed a petition by the historic buildings campaign group SAVE Britain’s Heritage against the M&S proposal.
Westminster City Council has welcomed the inquiry.
Selfridges’ new owners said they are supporting M&S’s plans to demolish and redevelop its Oxford Street store.
Russell Harris KC, representing M&S, said there was “no heritage reason” why the three buildings on the site should not be demolished, as they are not listed, and do not sit within Westminster’s conservation areas.
“Any heritage harm will be significantly outweighed by the benefits,” Harris told the inquiry.
He said the demolition would allow M&S to bring a “new flagship store of high architectural quality” to Oxford Street, which he said was currently “failing”.
He added the retailer would “not be made to trade” in the current buildings and that it would not invest further in the site if its plans were refused.
He also warned “no other retailer” would take over the site.
