Here’s the latest update on the proposed M&S Foodhall at Riverside Retail Park in Northampton

The proposed M&S Foodhall at Riverside Retail Park remains on hold more than a year after plans were first submitted, with concerns over traffic modelling from National Highways currently delaying the process.

The retailer plans to open a foodhall in the former Homebase unit, which is currently being transformed into two modern retail spaces.

In a formal response issued in June, National Highways flagged issues with M&S’ traffic modelling. They said predicted queues did not match the base scenario, questioned how traffic flows were calculated, and requested clearer explanations on pedestrian crossing timings and how new and diverted journeys were assigned.

A National Highways spokesman said: “We recommend that the application not be determined until this information is reviewed. It is recommended that the application should not be approved for a period of three months from the date of issue… This will enable the applicant to provide the additional information requested.”

M&S has been contacted for comment.

Will Smith, M&S’ property director, said in 2024: “This site in Northampton would make a fantastic location for an M&S Foodhall, creating 70 jobs. The show-stopping store would be one of the most modern in the UK, offering local shoppers a fresh market-style Foodhall with an in-store bakery, flower shop, wine shop, card and wrap shop, M&S’s signature cheese bar, click & collect facilities, and interactive features.”

The scheme has also faced objections from West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) highways team, which said the impact on the nearby Lumbertubs interchange has not been fully assessed.

Tesco, which owns the nearby Weston Favell store, also lodged a controversial objection, warning that the new M&S could reduce footfall in other shopping areas and affect anchor stores. They suggested M&S should have considered the former Sainsbury’s unit in the Grosvenor Centre, which has been vacant since 2021.

A decision was initially expected in October 2024, then delayed to July 2025. WNC has not announced a new target date.

Homebase, which had operated at the site for 30 years, closed in September 2024 after the national chain entered administration.

Work to split the former Homebase unit into two retail spaces began in March 2025. Riverside Retail Limited, owners of the building, previously said: “The alterations proposed will greatly improve this area of the retail park, transforming a blank part of the terrace with active frontages and new entrances. The works will help to improve the choice and experience for visitors to the park.”

Wickes, which will occupy the neighbouring unit, has had its signage plans approved this week.