Retail Property - M&S gives boost to Basingstoke with extension

Grosvenor has struck a deal to expand the Marks & Spencer store in Basingstoke by more than 50 per cent.

The 20,000 sq ft (1,860 sq m) store will be extended by 12,000 sq ft (1,115 sq m) to create additional space for womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, lingerie and homewares.

Grosvenor has agreed a surrender with Game, which occupies the ground floor, and M&S will expand over three levels. As part of the construction works, the store will be given a prominent new entrance onto Porchester Square, opposite the entrance in to the Festival Place shopping centre.

Work is scheduled to start early next year and the extension will be completed by the summer. The store will remain open and trade as normal during the development.

Grosvenor leasing manager Claire Cooper said: 'The centre is approaching 100 per cent let and units that we do have left are in great demand and should be let by Christmas.

'The increased commitment to Festival Place that Marks & Spencer is making ... sends a positive message to the market and confirms the centre's status as the region's dominant shopping centre.'