Plans for larger M&S store in Newark not yet submitted

Plans for a new, expanded Marks and Spencer store in Newark have not yet been submitted.

The firm announced in January that it was aiming to leave its town centre location on Stodman Street, which it operates on a leasehold, and move to new premises on a 130,000 sq ft plot between the BP petrol station and the former Warwicks and Richardsons Northgate brewery.

At 28,000sq ft, the new store would be double the size of its existing site and feature a café and home section. All 50 staff would be retained and the firm said it would recruit more employees.

Although work has taken place to clear the site, which would be known as the Maltings Retail Park, a planning application has not yet been submitted.

Newark Property Development Ltd owns the land.

Mr Phil Rowe, from the company, said: “The application is progressing, but we have no date for submission. I’d say we want to submit as soon as possible.

“The site work is continuing and we can get in there to get some proper surveys.

“There is also additional space for other retailers to be included there. We developed the brewery next door and our relationships in the town are good, by and large.”

The entrance to the proposed new store would be opposite the Selecta Tyre Ltd business on Northgate.

Concerns were raised when Marks and Spencer made the announcement that a move could lessen the appeal of Newark town centre.