M&S is set to start work on its Marble Arch flagship redevelopment next year.
The update comes after the retailer’s proposal to redevelop the site was granted approval in December 2024.
The approval was given after more than three years, when former secretary of state for housing, communities and local government Angela Rayner approved its plans.
The food and fashion giant said it wanted to regenerate the West End “to regain its position as a global shopping destination”.
Additionally, it highlighted investment from other Oxford Street retailers including Ikea, Uniqlo and HMV as well as plans to pedestrianise the street as “signs of recovery”.
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M&S said that it had considered refurbishment of the shop, but that it was not possible to retrofit the store into a modern flagship.
M&S initially submitted plans to demolish its five-floor Marble Arch site and build a 10-storey building with two and a half floors of retail space, a gym, and offices in March 2021.
The company’s proposals were approved by Westminster City Council in November 2021. The government went on to order a public inquiry into the planning application in summer 2022, after facing opposition from environmental and historic building campaigners.
The High Court ruled against former secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities Michael Gove’s decision to block the redevelopment in March 2024.
Retail Gazette has contacted M&S for comment.
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