Alnwick set to receive new Marks & Spencer foodhall and creation of 90 jobs

Marks & Spencer plans to open a store in Alnwick as part of a development which could create over 90 jobs.

Northumberland County Council’s Strategic Planning Committee will consider the proposals - for land south west of Willowburn Avenue - on June 5.

Despite the recent news that M&S are to close some of its stores across the country, this new store will include around 3,300 sq ms of retail floorspace, a drive-through coffee shop and 226 parking spaces was submitted by national planning and development consultancy Lichfields, on behalf of Northumberland Estates, in December 2017.

Public consultation undertaken in 2017 was very positive with 76 per cent of respondents agreeing the need for a broader range and choice of shopping in Alnwick and 63 per cent in favour of the proposals.

Colin Barnes, of Northumberland Estates, said: “We are delighted to announce that M&S have confirmed their intention to take a unit at this scheme, subject to Northumberland County Council granting planning permission.

“The new Foodhall will be a great addition to the existing range of supermarkets serving Alnwick and the surrounding area.”

The nearest M&S Foodhall to Alnwick is currently situated in the company’s store at the Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth.

Jonathan Wallace, senior director and head of Lichfields’ Newcastle office, added: “The new store at Willowburn Avenue would reduce the need for residents to travel to this and other M&S stores, including on Tyneside.

“It will also complement the existing foodstore provision within Alnwick itself.”

The development is earmarked for land owned by the Northumberland Estates, near to the Arcinova pharmaceuticals business and adjacent to the A1.

The new Foodhall supposedly has the potential to create around 30 full time equivalent jobs. If planning permission is granted, construction should start later this year, with Lichfields saying the development has the potential to create around 90 jobs.