One hundred letters of support have been submitted for M&S to open a foodhall at a busy retail park in Northampton.

The proposed M&S Foodhall at Riverside Retail Park currently remains on hold more than a year and a half after plans were first submitted.

The retailer wants to open a foodhall in the former Homebase unit, which has been transformed into two modern retail spaces, with Wickes recently opening at the other.

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.”

M&S has applied for permission to move into this new unit at the former Homebase in Riverside Retail Park.

placeholder image — M&S has applied for permission to move into this new unit at the former Homebase in Riverside Retail Park.

However, the plans have hit multiple hurdles, including concerns from National Highways over flawed traffic modelling, objections from WNC’s highways team about the unassessed impact on the Lumbertubs interchange, and a formal objection from Tesco warning of reduced footfall elsewhere and arguing M&S should have considered the vacant former Sainsbury’s unit in the Grosvenor Centre. A decision was initially expected in October 2024, then delayed to July 2025. WNC has not announced a new target date.

The applicants, Riverside Retail Ltd described Tesco’s claims as “exaggerated,” saying the new store would mostly compete with similar retailers such as Waitrose, Morrisons, and other M&S stores.

West Northamptonshire Council recently brought in independent consultant Nexus to provide an objective view on how the new store might affect local shopping centres.

Responding to Nexus’ report, Riverside Retail Ltd said M&S opening ‘will not harm Northampton town centre or any other shops’.

Now, at the time of publication, just over 100 members of the public have submitted letters of support for the opening of M&S.

One said: “I feel that we should have a M&S on this side of town, it can be walking distance for some people and would be beneficial for a lot of people especially those who have no other options of high quality food.”

Another said: “I’m in support of the M&S at Riverside opening. This should have been open by last Christmas and now it still won't be opening time for this Christmas either. I believe amount of traffic is a concern for Tesco? Sixfields has one way in/out. Riverside would have 2/3 ways into the retail park, thus congestion shouldn't be the reason to object. The public want an M&S, shame it's not going to include clothes and homeward as well.”

Another said: “The additional traffic and foot-fall M&S Food Hall would create is false. Majority of shoppers do not normally shop when the A45/A43 is busy. Along with Wickes and the proposed Food Hall wouldn't be any different to vehicles that shopped in Homebase. There is plenty of parking to accommodate M&S customers, it would save people having to go to Wellingborough & Sixfields Stores as they have to do currently. If the Council is so concerned about additional traffic why was PP given to all the restaurants on the Riverside site plus now a PP for a paddle & wellbeing is being considered for change of use. Let's be honest here the M&S Food Hall isn't going to have hoards of customers because their clientele is very different to Tesco, Lidl's & Aldi. A vast majority of people living this side of town SUPPORTS & WANTS THE FOOD HALL as there are too many Aldi's Lidl's & Tesco's. It would create jobs & give choice for residents this side of town."

One wrote: “This is just what we need. I cannot see how it wouldn't be beneficial to local people and the rest of the shops on site. We've had Homebase and Argos here before.”

One said: “Northampton needs some injection of quality shops to ensure people are not lost to Rushden Lakes or Milton Keynes. Come on council lets make Northampton great again!!”

One said: “What's the hold up?? We need an M&S on Riverside retail park. The town wants it.”

Another said: “I support M&S at Riverside.”

One said: “OPEN MNS.”