Delivering a New M&S Foodhall for Christchurch

Marks & Spencer is excited to announce proposals for a new M&S Food in Christchurch.

Key Features:

  • A high-quality M&S foodhall providing a wide selection of fresh, seasonal produce from M&S Select Farms, alongside everyday essentials and M&S favourites not currently available in Christchurch.

  • Over 30 new jobs, offering a range of roles and training opportunities for the local community.

  • Improved accessibility, servicing and parking arrangements, including provision for walking and cycling.

  • A scheme designed to minimise environmental impact, making efficient use of the existing building.

Sustainability First

The new store will be fully electric and designed to reduce energy use. It will be fitted with energy-efficient lighting and support M&S’s Plan A commitments to become a net zero business by 2040.

Key sustainability features include:

Energy-efficient lighting and services

EV charging infrastructure

Use of energy management systems

Good public transport links

Creating and Supporting Local Jobs

  • The new Foodhall will create over 30 new jobs, providing local employment opportunities, as well as supporting construction, supply chain and fit-out roles, with a strong focus on using local contractors and expertise.

  • As one of the UK's largest private sector employers, M&S is proud to create opportunities for those facing barriers to work. The Marks & Start employability scheme, delivered in partnership with The King's Trust, has supported 12,000 young people facing barriers to employment gain their crucial first step on the career ladder. The programme offers hands-on experience and skills training, helping many participants progress into long-term careers  - over 700 young people across the South West have completed the scheme.

  • Front line management training programmes to help colleagues step up into Team Manager roles.

  • Level 4 apprenticeship programme in Retail Management aimed at school leavers and customer assistants.

  • Retail graduate programme to support Store Management pipeline.

Local Suppliers

M&S is proud to support British farming through longstanding relationships with over 9,500 Select Farm partners across the UK - over 1,200 are based here in the South West.

The proposed Christchurch store will further strengthen our commitment to local sourcing, bringing high-quality, locally produced food straight to customer's shelves.

Working with the Community

Since 2015, M&S has worked with redistribution platform Neighbourly across its store network to make sure any edible food surplus reaches local foodbanks and charities. The equivalent of over 100 million meals has been donated to those who need it most through the partnership.