Plans to close Marks and Spencer in Redhill town centre have been confirmed with the shop among 110 sites earmarked to shut. The Belfry shopping centre shared news of the M&S announcement and confirmed a final day of trading for the store in the summer.
The centre said staff have been advised their roles will either be terminated or relocated by August 31 2024. The Belfry Marks and Spencer will close its doors for the final time on August 17.
The closure is understood to follow a six-week consultation period and comes after the company began to restructure its store portfolio. M&S announced in October 2022 that it would put more focus on its food-only shops and that it planned to shut 67 locations in the following five years with 110 set for closure in total.
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The decision has been described as “strategic” but comes at a time when visitor numbers at The Belfry are increasing, according to the shopping centre. Footfall is claimed to have been up 20 per cent in 2024 and is ahead of national comparisons.
Four new independent stores have chosen the Redhill centre as the place to open in recent months. The Belfry said it hoped Marks and Spencer’s remaining long lease and a reported positive trading in Redhill – particularly at Christmas – meant the store would be spared from similar high street closures.
Centre manager, Andy Nash, commented that he is “obviously sad” to hear M&S has decided to close its Redhill store after 33 years. He wished the M&S staff well and thanked them for being part of The Belfry’s history.
Mr Nash commented: “The Belfry has constantly evolved over the years as consumer habits have changed and it will continue to evolve with new stores opening all the time.” He continued: “Though it will be disappointing to lose M&S, the bigger picture for the centre remains extremely positive, with more visitors using the centre and staying longer.”
Mr Nash said there have been “strong enquiries” on the retail space that he will seek to progress. The centre outlined this includes from national retail chains and leisure offerings but said the logistics to close and repurpose the space will take time.
Mr Nash concluded: “The Belfry is busier than ever and the town itself is thriving with hybrid working practices established and the opening of Redhill’s new Rise complex last year, including The Light cinema and leisure .” He said the centre is confident that it will welcome new tenants and is excited to share the news when it can.
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