M&S asks Chichester residents to support plans for new flagship full-line store ahead of planning decision next week

M&S is encouraging local residents to show their support for plans to bring a brand-new flagship full-line M&S store to Chichester, ahead of the planning application being determined by Chichester District Council's Planning Committee on Wednesday 9th September.

The proposals would see the former Homebase store at Discovery Park, Barnfield Drive transformed into a modern M&S store, bringing together the very best of M&S Food, Fashion, Home and Beauty under one roof.

The show-stopping new 55,000 sq ft store would include a fresh market-style foodhall offering the full M&S Food product range, from popular ranges such as Nutrient Dense and Only… Ingredients to the latest new launches. 

Customers would also be able to shop a spacious fashion, home & beauty offer, with popular ranges such as Autograph and Goodmove.

The proposals would breathe new life into the vacant former Homebase unit, backed by a multi-million-pound investment.

The store has been designed to provide a convenient and accessible shopping destination with over 300 customer parking spaces, including dedicated parent & child bays and EV chargers.

The planning application has been confirmed on the agenda for Chichester District Council's Planning Committee’s on Wednesday 9 September, and is recommended for approval by Chichester District Council planning officers.

Ahead of the meeting, M&S is encouraging residents who would like to see the proposals approved to submit a letter of support through the project website, ensuring their views are formally considered by councillors on the Planning Committee.

Simon Cherry, Regional Manager at M&S, said: “At Discovery Park, we can create one of the most modern stores in the UK and deliver the very best of M&S for Chichester residents. We are continuing to invest in our stores across Sussex, making sure each offers the widest range of products and an enjoyable shopping experience. We’re grateful for everyone’s support so far and there is still time to show your support ahead of next week.”

M&S colleagues would transfer across to the new store under the plans from its existing North Street and Portfield Retail Park stores, with M&S retaining and investing in a foodhall at its East Street site in Chichester city centre.

Residents can show their support by visiting the project website (www.chichestermands.co.uk) and submitting a letter of support, which will be formally submitted to Chichester District Council as part of the planning process.