Marks & Spencer has secured government approval to knock down its historic Oxford Street flagship store, following a three-year planning battle.
The art deco building, constructed in the late 1920s, has stood at the corner of Britain’s most famous shopping street by Marble Arch since M&S opened its doors there in 1930.
Current Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner gave the green light on for the retail giant’s controversial redevelopment plans.
M&S first applied to Westminster City Council in 2021 for permission to demolish Orchard House, however, Michael Gove, former housing secretary refused the application in July 2023.
M&S will demolish and rebuild its historic Oxford Street flagship store
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M&S will demolish and rebuild its historic Oxford Street flagship store.
The new development will transform the site into a nine-storey building featuring modern retail space, a cafe, and a gym.
Office facilities will also be incorporated into the ambitious redevelopment project.
The plans received support from both Westminster City Council and the local authority before gaining final approval.
The redevelopment aims to help rejuvenate the UK’s premier shopping street through its flagship location.
Earlier this year, a High Court judge ruled the Government had made “a series of flawed decisions” in attempting to block the plans.
The judge found Gove had misinterpreted national planning policy and provided inadequate reasoning for his decision.
This ruling came after M&S warned that blocking the refurbishment would likely lead to the store’s closure.
M&S chief executive Stuart Machin celebrated the decision on social media platform X.
He wrote: “I am delighted that, after three unnecessary years of delays, obfuscation and political posturing at its worst under the previous government, our plans for Marble Arch have finally been approved.”
He emphasised that the project represents “the only retail-led regeneration proposal on Oxford Street.”
Machin added that the business could now focus on helping to rejuvenate the UK’s premier shopping street through the flagship store.
Dee Corsi, chief executive of the New West End Company, welcomed the Government’s decision.
“Today’s decision by the Government sends a strong and positive signal for businesses across the UK, particularly in flagship high street locations which are key drivers of economic growth,” she said.
The New West End Company, which represents 600 shops, hospitality firms and property owners around the West End, sees the project as vital for the area’s future.
She concluded: “The redevelopment will help cement the West End’s status as a global destination for shoppers and office workers alike, revitalising Oxford Street West and reinforcing the message to international investors that the UK is firmly open for business.”