M&S finally opens flagship Oxford Street store after years-long planning row
Marks & Spencer has finally opened its flagship store on Oxford Street after a years-long dispute over planning permission that resulted in legal action against the government.
The retail giant hopes its new Pantheon store, spread over four floors and almost 100,000 square metres, will become one of London’s most popular shopping destinations.
Its long-awaited opening comes after former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner gave the go-ahead to redevelop the art deco building in 2024.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin said: “In 2019 we set out the plan to modernize our food business with a new food format designed to capture the spirit of the fresh market. We started in Clapham St John’s Road and have since revamped 160 of our food stores, including the Pantheon. We’re now applying the same approach to fashion, home and beauty.
“The Pantheon on Oxford Street, where we have had a store since 1938, is our first full-line flagship and research and development store for fashion, home and beauty. It is where we test how we make shopping across our range easier, neater and more inspiring, from clearer product moments to how the store looks and feels overall.
“Even after 25 years, we still have a lot of work to do to modernize our property, but the Pantheon is a huge step forward.”
M&S had initially applied to Westminster City Council for permission to demolish part of the building for redevelopment in 2021, but following litigation and objections from heritage and sustainability experts, then housing secretary Michael Gove stepped in and refused the application in July 2023.
M&S subsequently took legal action against the government in the High Court; Here the judge ruled that the government had made a series of flawed decisions in blocking the plans.
The new store is one of six M&S has refurbished in London this financial year, alongside four new stores.
While some parts of the store will remain open during the remodel, the remaining two upper floors will open Monday and include menswear, childrenswear, underwear and home collections.
It also includes a new bespoke suit offering, where customers can receive a suit made to order in store.
More than 100 guests, including M&S ambassadors, joined Mr Machin and members of the M&S leadership team for a preview of the store on Sunday evening.
