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Plans have been submitted to open a brand new Marks and Spencer superstore in South Ruislip.
The new store would replace The Range at Unit 1 in Victoria Retail Park on Crown Road. If approved by Hillingdon Council, this would mark a return to South Ruislip for the retailer after closing down their Ruislip High Street branch in 2018.
The store would feature a huge sales area of 61,000 sq ft arranged across the ground and a newly built mezzanine level. There would also be a 1,685 sqm food hall, an in-store bakery and an “award-winning” wine selection.
To facilitate the new store, M&S has submitted two separate planning applications. The main works includes the demolition of the former Homebase garden centre.
The building’s exterior will be significantly modernised. The entrance pods and mansard roof would be removed and replaced with white cladding, black painted brickwork and glazing.
A new dedicated plant area will also be created. The application also seeks to reconfigure and install an additional 826 sqm of mezzanine floorspace which will be used for non-food sales and staff / backroom operations.
However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service [LDRS] understands that staff members at The Range have not been informed of any changes, and fear for their jobs if approved. The new M&S is expected to create up to 123 new jobs if the application is approved.
M&S say staff would be recruited locally where possible. The company will also implement it’s “Mark’s & Start” scheme - a work placement programme designed to help people facing barriers to work, such as single parents, people with disabilities, and those at risk of homelessness.
Access to the retail park would remain via Crown Road, and the surface-level car park directly in front of the store would be slightly reconfigured. There would be a minor net reduction of four car parking spaces.
However, the plans retain 332 car parking spaces whilst adding two new disabled spaces, seven additional parent and child spaces and six new trolley bays. 34 new secure cycle parking spaces would also be constructed.
It is unclear when a decision may be made, however a consultation on the plans closes on April 15.
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