Marks & Spencer is to undertake its “biggest single renewal investment to date” with an overhaul of its store in Fosse Park, Leicester.

Marks & Spencer sign

Marks & Spencer is extending its Fosse Park store

Marks & Spencer is to extend the retail park anchor shop by 11,500 sq ft to just over 100,000 sq ft, creating what it described as “a brand-defining store in the East Midlands”.

Expanding the shop through a takeover of neighbouring premises is part of M&S’s strategy of opening “bigger, better” branches and will allow the retailer to carry a greater selection of product in its core categories of food and clothing.

Work on the extension is expected to be completed by autumn and the store will remain open as departments are gradually transformed.

M&S Fosse Park store manager Andy Frith said: “This investment – M&S’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.”

Fosse Park is is owned by The Crown Estate and drew footfall of 13.5 million people in 2023. Over the last year retailers including Schuh, Moss Bros, New Look, Dreams, Designer Sofas and Natuzzi have taken space there.

The Crown Estate senior asset manager Nicole Campbell said: “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.”