What We’re Proposing
Marks & Spencer is proposing a brand new M&S Foodhall as part of a new commercial development at Waterton Road, Bridgend.
The M&S Foodhall will provide c. 18,000 sq. ft. of net sales space within a building of c. 24,500 sq. ft. gross internal area. The wider scheme will also include an Aldi foodstore and a coffee drive thru.
Key Features:
Brand new standalone M&S Foodhall with approximately 18,000 sq. ft. of net retail floorspace.
Around 70 new M&S jobs.
A new Aldi foodstore and coffee drive thru as part of the wider commercial development.
Redevelopment of an underused brownfield site currently used in part for vehicle sales and car auctions.
Approximately 332 parking spaces across the wider development.
Dedicated customer parking for the M&S Foodhall, including accessible and parent and child spaces.
New landscaping and green infrastructure across the site.
Improved connections for pedestrians and cyclists, linking with the wider active travel network.
Sustainability First
The new store will be fully electric and designed to reduce energy use. It will be fitted with energy-efficient lighting and support M&S’s Plan A commitments to become a net zero business by 2040.
Key sustainability features include:
Sustainable drainage measures
EV charging infrastructure
Energy-efficient lighting and services
Use of energy management systems
Good public transport links and active travel measures
Appropriate landscape, drainage and ecological measures around the River Ewenni corridor
Easy to Access, Easy to Shop
The site benefits from an existing access from Waterton Road and is well connected to the surrounding road network. A Transport Assessment submitted with the application assesses the impact of the proposal. It concludes that the proposed access can accommodate the new development, and that the local highway network will remain operationally sound.
The proposals also support travel by means other than the car. The site is close to existing pedestrian, cycling and public transport connections and will connect with the wider active travel network. The layout has been designed to provide safe and convenient routes for pedestrians and cyclists through the development.
Community Benefits
The proposals represent a significant investment in Bridgend, creating new employment opportunities whilst strengthening the borough's retail offer.
The new retail unit will provide local residents with greater shopping choice and help retain spending within Bridgend by attracting customers who might otherwise travel elsewhere.
As one of the UK's largest private sector employers, M&S is committed to creating opportunities through programmes such as Marks & Start, delivered in partnership with The King's Trust, and continues to support communities across the UK through initiatives including food redistribution with Neighbourly.
M&S partners with Neighbourly, an organisation which collects and redistributes surplus food to local groups, helping those in need.