Boston could soon see the return of Marks & Spencer (M&S) as a planning application has been submitted for a new M&S Food Hall on A52 Westbridge Road. The proposal, put forward by Carta Real Estate Boston Limited, seeks to reintroduce the much-loved retailer to the town after the closure of its Market Place store in April 2019.
The proposed development would be situated near to the recently built McDonald’s restaurant and would provide a 2,005 sqm retail space dedicated to high-quality food and groceries. The site plans include a 160-space car park, catering to a variety of shoppers’ needs with six accessible spaces, six parent-and-child spaces, seven electric vehicle (EV) charging bays, seven designated staff spaces, and 16 cycle hoops for cyclists.
In addition to enhancing shopping convenience, the development is expected to create up to 70 full- and part-time jobs, offering new employment opportunities for the local community. The planning application follows Carta Real Estate’s recent success in securing approval for an Aldi store just north of the proposed M&S location, reinforcing the area as a growing retail hub.
M&S has been sorely missed by Boston shoppers since its departure from the town centre in 2019, which left a noticeable gap in the high street’s retail offering. The former Market Place store had long been a staple in Boston’s shopping scene, with many locals disappointed to see its doors close. The proposed new Food Hall represents a major positive development, bringing back a reputable and much-loved brand to serve residents with premium food products, fresh groceries, and convenient shopping options.
The location of the proposed store, just off the A52, positions it well for accessibility, allowing both Boston residents and those travelling from nearby areas to benefit from the new offering. With increased investment in the town’s retail sector, including the nearby Aldi development, this new M&S Food Hall is set to contribute significantly to the economic growth and regeneration of Boston.
Boston Borough Council is currently reviewing the application, and residents are encouraged to have their say on the proposal through the council’s official consultation process. Public feedback will play a key role in determining the outcome of the planning process, and local opinions are welcomed.
If approved, the store would mark a milestone in Boston’s retail expansion, providing greater shopping choice, convenience, and employment opportunities. The return of M&S would also serve as a testament to the town’s potential for attracting well-established national brands, further boosting confidence in Boston as a strong retail destination.
No I would not we have plenty of shops in the town that could accommodate m&s foods and not all of us can get to this part of town as we don’t drive, they would be excluding those that can’t and it would put more life into the town to start regeneration
My husband is disabled and we are both 77.
We welcome the new M&S store etc near Mcdonalds/Tesco/B&Q & Lidl.
We do not feel SAFE when we have to go to Boston town centre and
we like to get away as soon as possible.
There are so many non English speaking pedestrians – mainly large males
who hang around in groups on the pavements making us feel uncomfortable.
We look forward to the new places in Westbridge Road.