M&S could be leaving Lancashire town for a newer and bigger site
It could be a move out of town for a new location for this Lancashire M&S store.
Marks & Spencer could close its Ormskirk town centre store and move to a new, bigger site at Burscough.
The retailer is working on plans for a new 18,000 sq ft food-hall near Ringtail Retail Park in Burscough. The new site would be three times the size of the current M&S food store in Ormskirk, according to M&S.
Existing staff working in the Ormskirk site will transferred to the new site and around 25 additional jobs will be created, if the changes go ahead. The Ormskirk shop, off Market Way, would close.
Property developer Rothstone Estates is working with the retailer on plans for the proposed new Burscough site, near the A59 Liverpool Road South and Pippin Street roundabout. Customers would access the store from High Lane. The site was previously occupied by a care home.
M&S has opened a public survey on-line, asking people about the idea.
It said: “We have been searching for a new site locally for some time, so we can provide a better shopping experience and wider product range for customers. We are keen to secure our future locally so we can continue to offer our high quality, award-winning products for Burscough and Ormskirk residents. If planning is approved, the new store will stock the full M&S food range, including fresh produce and the latest product launches.”
The plan includes an in-store bakery, dedicated flower and wine shops, and a click and collect point for on-line orders.
Outside, 152 parking spaces are proposed and electric vehicle charging points. Landscaping is also around the site perimeter. M&S expects the new site will be open from 8am-9pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
West Lancashire Council is expected to handle the Burscough planning application, if M&S goes ahead with the ideas. The plan could spark a debate among councillors, businesses and residents about the impact on Ormskirk, the local economies of different towns and future traffic levels in Burscough.
M&S says it has long-standing relationships with 9,000 select farms across the UK including 20 in Lancashire.
Rothstone Estates is described as a specialist in mixed-use property schemes, roadside and food retail developments. Based in Yorkshire, it has worked on developments across the country including other new M&S stores.