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Marks and Spencer set to return to Honiton
P2958-10-09AW The former Honiton Marks and Spencer in Lace Walk. Picture: Alex Walton - Credit: Archant
BP confirmed the store will open this year as part of its new petrol station in Turks Head Lane.
A multinational retailer is opening a shop in Honiton – eight years after it left the town’s Lace Walk precinct.
The Herald can reveal that Marks and Spencer (M&S) is set to be built in place of the former shop at Turks Head Garage, which is being redeveloped by oil giant BP.
Although no details of the store have been revealed by BP or M&S, a spokesman for BP said it is expected to open in the “fourth quarter of 2017”.
BP created a partnership with M&S in 2005, and there are more than 200 M&S Simply Food at BP Connect stores across the country.
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District planners gave BP the green light earlier this year to upgrade the site in Turks Head Lane.
The works will see the old sales building demolished and a new shop built.
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The plans also proposed a new canopy and fuel pumps, and a new car wash.
Colin Wright, president of Honiton Chamber of Commerce, has been a strong advocate of M&S making a return to the town.
The company’s Simply Food outlet closed in 2009 following a failed campaign to save it.
Mr Wright said: “We are very pleased that M&S decided to move into Honiton, albeit in a small capacity.
“It will be excellent for the west end of the town, particularly with the new housing estate in progress.
“We do not think this move will be detrimental to town centre businesses.
“I hope that present customers at the BP garage near Offwell will remain loyal to their existing supplier.”
