London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has approved Marks & Spencer’s plan to demolish and rebuild its iconic Marble Arch store on Oxford Street after years of legal and political delays.
The British government has given the green light to Marks & Spencer to replace its historic Oxford Street art deco building with a modern retail and office space, ending a three-year dispute over redevelopment.
The Oxford Street revamping, which includes a nine-storey retail space, cafe, gym, and office, has received approval from Housing Secretary Angela Rayner.
On Thursday, she ruled that the plans could proceed.
As reported by the Independent, M&S states that the new store will rank in the top 1% of London’s buildings for sustainability, with a 120-year design life and carbon payback within 11 years.
Former housing secretary Michael Gove intervened in July 2023. He rejected the application after years of legal conflicts and opposition from sustainability and heritage experts.
Mr Gove launched an inquiry and ultimately blocked the proposals.
Charles Begley, chief executive of the London Property Alliance, stated that the prolonged uncertainty harmed growth.
Stuart Machin, the chief executive of M&S, showed excitement and assured that the company would move quickly to make as much progress as possible.
He posted on X on Thursday to express his happiness, “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 – the only retail-led regeneration proposal on Oxford Street – have finally been approved.”
Mr Machin added the business could “now get on with the job of helping to rejuvenate the UK’s premier shopping street” through its flagship store.
The Guardian reports that Orchard House, built in the late 1920s, is located at the corner of London’s famous Marble Arch shopping area.
M&S, which opened its first store in 1930, submitted a 2021 application to Westminster City Council seeking approval to demolish Orchard House.
After Mr Gove rejected the plans in July 2021, the High Court ruled that Mr Gove’s decision was based on a misinterpretation of the national planning policy framework and an “error in law.”
The demolition and reconstruction of the building were officially accepted by Ms Rayner, allowing the project to move further.
Richard Smart, the Managing Director, London at property advisers CBRE stated, “Today’s landmark decision on the M&S Marble Arch store is welcome news for the retail sector and the development market.”
The Chief Executive of the business group New West End Company, Dee Corsi said “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.”
The Deputy Prime Minister’s report stated that, given the increased demand for high-quality office space and the significant employment and regeneration benefits, the Secretary of State now considers the design, public realm, employment, and regeneration benefits of the M&S proposal to carry substantial weight.