'Coming soon': Advertising hoardings go up around new Marks & Spencer Foodhall in Northampton

The hoardings, which say ‘your exciting new foodhall coming soon’, have been put up around the former Homebase unit in Riverside Retail Park, where the new M&S store is being fitted out.

Their arrival is another sign that the long-awaited venue is getting closer to opening.

The store has been in the planning process for almost two years, with work now well under way inside the building.

A planning application has also been submitted to West Northamptonshire Council for advertising signs at the site.

Another recent application covers equipment needed for the store to operate, including refrigeration and other plant in the service yard, as well as screening for a waste baler.

The M&S Foodhall was finally approved by WNC in March this year.

Plans were first submitted in May 2024 but were held up by highways concerns and an objection from Tesco, which said the store could affect trade at its Weston Favell supermarket.

Councillors eventually approved the plans, with officers saying the development would bring new jobs, investment and more choice for shoppers.

The Foodhall will have around 16,000 sq ft of retail space and is due to include an in-store bakery, M&S's cheese bar and a click-and-collect service.

M&S has previously said the store could create up to 70 full and part-time jobs.

There is still some work to be completed before the shop can open.

An 'intelligent traffic signal system' is planned for the Ferris Road junction following concerns raised during the planning process.

The system will be used to manage traffic queues and signal timings around the junction.

Planning documents state that the upgrade must be completed before the Foodhall can open.

M&S previously described the new store as a "modern, fit for the future" Foodhall.

It has also highlighted its wider investment in Northampton, including its planned £340m food distribution centre.

An opening date for the Riverside Retail Park store has not yet been announced.

Chronicle & Echo has approached Marks & Spencer several times for an update on the project and a likely opening date but has not received a response.