Rumours have been flying across local social media this week that Marks & Spencer is planning a return to Andover, sparking hopes that the retailer might fill the void left in the town centre since its departure in 2018.
While we can confirm that Andover is indeed firmly on M&S’s “hit list,” the details in their latest property requirements document paint a very different picture from the full-range High Street department store many residents are calling for.
The Reality Check
The newly released document, titled explicitly “Food Retail Requirements,” lists Andover as number 3 on its wish list for the South West and South Wales region. However, a closer look at the “Non-London” specifications suggests the retailer is looking away from the Chantry Centre and towards retail parks.
What M&S is Actually Asking For
Contrary to the “full product” store (clothing, home, and food) that many have speculated about online, the document outlines strict criteria that would be difficult to meet in Andover’s historic town centre:
- Format: The search is driven by their “Food” division.
- Location: The document explicitly asks for “Edge of centre or out of town” and highlights “Retail Parks.”
- Parking: This is the big one. M&S is demanding “Dedicated car parking (150+ spaces).”
- Size: They require a substantial 21,500+ sq ft of space.
- Visibility: The site must be “Prominent and highly visible” from major roads.
What This Means for Andover
While the confirmation that M&S wants to invest in Andover is fantastic news for the local economy, the requirements suggest a store similar to the “Food Halls” seen in places like Winchester or Newbury’s retail parks, rather than a return to the High Street.
Ideally, this points towards locations on the outskirts of town where 150 dedicated parking spaces can be guaranteed – a logistical challenge for most units within the town centre.
So, while we might be getting our Percy Pigs and Gastropub meals back, it looks like we won’t be browsing for jumpers and jeans in the town centre just yet.