Plans for a long-delayed Marks & Spencer Foodhall at Northampton’s Riverside Retail Park have received a significant boost, with developers Riverside Retail Ltd asserting the new store will not negatively impact the town centre or other local shopping areas. An updated report commissioned by the developers aims to allay fears previously raised by competitors and local authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Developers claim the new M&S Foodhall will have a minimal impact on Northampton’s town centre and surrounding retail areas.
- An independent report suggests the store will create approximately 70 jobs and fill a vacant unit.
- Traffic concerns remain a hurdle, with National Highways and council officers seeking further detailed modelling.
Addressing Retail Impact Concerns
Riverside Retail Ltd has presented an updated report, prepared by independent consultant Nexus, to West Northamptonshire Council. This report counters objections from supermarket giants like Tesco, who had warned of reduced footfall at their Weston Favell store. Riverside Retail previously dismissed these claims as "exaggerated," stating the new M&S would primarily compete with similar retailers such as Waitrose and other M&S branches.
The latest assessment considers the impact of several Aldi and Lidl stores that have opened in Northampton since 2022. Developers argue that these discount supermarkets serve different local areas and attract a distinct customer base, thus not posing a direct competitive threat to a larger M&S Foodhall.
Projected Economic Benefits
The developers project that the new M&S Foodhall will have a negligible effect on Northampton town centre’s food trade, estimated at just 1.1%. The impact on areas like Weston Favell, Kingsthorpe, and Far Cotton is also predicted to be minimal. When considering all shopping types, the town centre impact falls to a mere 0.1%. Even with the inclusion of nearby Aldi and Lidl stores, the total impact on Weston Favell is estimated at around 8.4%, and on the town centre at 1.3%.
Furthermore, the report forecasts continued growth in overall retail spending in Northampton town centre, rising from £379.6 million in 2024 to £410.1 million by 2029, even with the addition of the new M&S and other recent supermarket openings. Developers highlight that while some units in the town centre are vacant, many are subject to redevelopment proposals, suggesting the new M&S will not undermine the vitality of any retail centre.
Job Creation and Future Prospects
The proposed M&S Foodhall is expected to fill a large, vacant unit at the retail park, which has been empty since Homebase closed in September 2024. The unit has been divided, with Wickes set to open in one half next month. The M&S Foodhall is anticipated to create around 70 jobs, offering enhanced consumer choice for local shoppers. Developers are urging for the application to be approved without delay, citing these material economic considerations.
Ongoing Traffic Assessments
Despite the positive retail impact assessment, the project’s final approval is still pending due to traffic concerns. National Highways and council highways officers have raised questions regarding predicted queues, pedestrian crossings, and the overall traffic generation of the new store. More detailed modelling is required to fully understand the potential effects on nearby junctions, including the busy Lumbertubs Interchange.
Sources
- Long-delayed M&S Foodhall at Riverside Retail Park ‘WILL NOT harm Northampton town centre or any other
shops’, say developers, Northampton Chronicle and Echo.
