Marks & Spencer has confirmed the opening date of a new 22,000 sq ft supermarket in the seaside town of Paignton, Devon. The store is scheduled to open by autumn 2027.
Council approval and location
Plans for the new M&S Food store were unanimously agreed upon by the council. The site will be situated between South Devon College and the existing retail park.
Features and facilities
The superstore will include a hot chicken counter, a selection of fine wines, and a bakery. It will also have a click and collect point. A drive-up coffee shop and restaurant will be on site, along with a car park featuring 10 electric vehicle charging bays.
Jobs and community benefits
The supermarket is expected to create up to 70 full- and part-time jobs. Developers will also pay a Community Infrastructure Levy of £260,000 to fund community projects.
Local reaction
Philip Marsden, town planning manager for the store, told the planning committee at Torbay Council that he is very "excited" about the new site. He added that the new retail spot will "reduce traffic" in the area, as "many local residents who want to shop with us have to travel to the Willows at Torquay."
Councillor Ras Virdee said, "It's a win-win situation, not just for the immediate area but also for the local economy." Councillor Adam Billings agreed that the new store and coffee spot was an unrefusable scheme, while chairman Martin Brook said, "I am really pleased that we can get this over the line."
Recent M&S openings
Several new M&S Food branches have opened recently, with sites in Hatfield, Luton, Farnham, Oxfordshire and Surrey. Two new full-line stores have also opened in Bath and Bristol in the past year.
