East Ayrshire Council has approved Marks and Spencer's move to Queen's Drive Retail Park in Kilmarnock, a £4.5 million relocation that will see the town centre store close in March 2027 while safeguarding 71 existing jobs.
The council's planning committee gave the green light to plans for the high street retailer to take over two units at the retail park, the former Carpetright and Harry Corry stores, creating a 1,870 square metres superstore.
Planning approval details
M&S chiefs had already announced that the King Street store would close regardless of the council's decision. The new food-only store will not offer clothing or home goods, but a click and collect service will be provided.
A spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council said: "East Ayrshire Council’s Planning Committee today approved an application by Marks and Spencer to use Units 3 and 4 at Queens Drive Retail Park for a foodstore.
"Unit 3 was formerly occupied by ‘Carpetright’ and is currently vacant, whilst Unit 4 was formerly occupied by ‘Harry Corry’ and is also now vacant.
"The proposed foodstore will have a gross internal area of 1,870 square metres and a total net sales area of 1,325 square metres, of which 1,195 square metres will be dedicated to food sales and the remainder for non-food comparison goods. The applicant has indicated that a click and collect service will be provided at the new store, however the clothing and home offer will not be provided."
Job protection and town centre impact
Retail bosses have vowed that the move will protect the King Street store's 71 existing jobs, which will be transferred to the new foodstore at Queen's Drive.
The council spokesperson added: "Marks and Spencer have confirmed that they intend to close their existing King Street, Kilmarnock store at the end of March 2027 when their lease expires as it no longer meets their business model requirements. They have confirmed that they will retain and safeguard the 71 existing jobs currently employed in their King Street store as they will be transferred to the new foodstore at Queens Drive."
The King Street store accounts for almost one fifth of the total retail turnover in the town centre, according to estimates produced in absence of an up to date retail study for Kilmarnock. The town centre store generated around £8.7m in goods convenience turnover in 2025, with the town centre's turnover estimated at £47.9m.
Focus will now shift to the prospect of another giant, empty property in Kilmarnock town centre, adding to the loss of M&S's economic pull to the area.
