M&S has identified Christchurch as an important location where there is strong customer demand but limited local provision of M&S Food. The new store will provide greater choice for local residents, and deliver economic benefits through investment and job creation.

The food hall will offer a wide range of high-quality, great value M&S Food, including fresh produce from M&S Select Farms, everyday essentials, and the latest newly launched M&S products not currently available locally.

The store is expected to create over 30 new jobs for local people, as well as supporting construction, fit-out and supply roles. The jobs in the existing Foodhall on Christchurch High Street will be safeguarded. Roles will be available at a variety of levels, and colleagues will benefit from training, skills development, and access to M&S employability programmes, including apprenticeships and management training.

The site will be accessed directly from Barrack Road, with improved arrangements for both customers and deliveries. Deliveries will be managed via a dedicated service area to ensure safe and efficient operations without disrupting shoppers.

Yes. The scheme includes new cycle parking facilities, pedestrian access routes, and improvements to connectivity with surrounding footpaths.

By re-using the existing building, these plans avoid the need for major new construction. The store proposals also include energy-efficient lighting and services, infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, good public transport links and the use of energy management systems which all support M&S’s Plan A commitments to become a net-zero business by 2040.

Plans are subject to planning permission so we are not yet able to provide an opening date, however we will keep the community updated.

Two applications are being submitted: the first seeks permission for the use of the building as an M&S Foodhall. A second application will follow to cover any physical works required to deliver the store. Local residents and stakeholders will have opportunities to comment on both applications through BCP Council’s planning process.

The building, currently occupied by The Range, will be adapted to create the new Foodhall.

Residents can provide feedback on the proposals via the BCP Council planning portal once applications are live. Updates will also be shared through consultation materials and the dedicated project website.