M&S announces Fosse Park expansion plans

Fosse Park, the successful retail and dining destination in Leicestershire, has unveiled plans for the expansion of its M&S anchor store. M&S will invest in expanding and renewing its store at Fosse Park, following the retailer’s continued success, increasing the store size by 11,500 sq ft to a total size in excess of 100,000 sq ft.

The larger format store will offer an expanded product range and will create a brand defining store for M&S in the East Midlands. Overseen by owners The Crown Estate, Fosse Park is one of the country’s largest regional shopping parks, sought after for its mix of popular retail brands, fashion outlets, dining destinations and a pedestrian-friendly public realm.

M&S will be expanding into the vacant unit adjacent, stocking a wider range of well-loved food, clothing, homeware and beauty favourites. Fosse Park has undergone several expansions and renovations over recent years to enhance the shopping experience for visitors and accommodate its growing popularity – 2023 was a strong year with footfall totalling 13.5 million people.

The news follows a raft of lettings at Fosse Park over the last 12 months, including Schuh, Moss Bross, New Look, Dreams, Designer Sofas and Natuzzi, totalling around 40,000 sq ft.

Nicole Campbell, Senior Asset Manager at The Crown Estate, said: “The M&S Fosse Park expansion signifies both the brand’s resonance with our shoppers and highlights Fosse Park’s position as one of the nation’s most successful shopping destinations. Located conveniently close to the M1, we are seeing visitors come from further afield, with footfall growing year on year. The expanded M&S and new brands will only increase the appeal of Fosse Park. The M&S decision to invest in Fosse Park through this expansion speaks to the strength of the destination.”

Andy Frith, Store Manager at Fosse Park, said: “We want to deliver a brilliant shopping experience for our customers and the very best of M&S. This investment – M&S’ biggest single renewal investment to date – will mean we can create a brand defining store here in Leicestershire. The store team and I are incredibly excited about the transformation and we can’t wait to show customers the new Womenswear department this week and all the changes we have planned between now and Autumn!”

Work is underway at the site and is expected to finish this Autumn – the store will remain open throughout, with different departments transformed gradually.

JLL acted on behalf of The Crown Estate, Savills acted on behalf of M&S.