Brand new Marks & Spencer opens its doors in English seaside town – and it’s in an old 20,000 sq ft Homebase

MARKS & SPENCER has opened its latest Foodhall store in a huge former Homebase. The location spans a mega 20,000 sq ft in a stunning English seaside town and has been positively received by locals. The new food hall will be housed in a former Homebase site Credit: Poole Retail Park: Marks and Spencer The M&S store, in Poole Retail Park, will welcome its first customers today. The opening comes as a wider regeneration of the retail park, putting to use the former Homebase space, which had been closed since February 2025. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Around 90 jobs have been created thanks to the opening of the new store, and customers can expect many of the quality sections they have come to expect from the brand. Talbot & Branksome Woods councillor Karen Rampton has praised the move and says she has only heard positive feedback from locals and that she looks forward to visiting the store herself. Rampton said: “I’m actually very excited about it opening. I live very nearby, so it’s something I’ll definitely be using. “I think it’s a really good thing for the area. It will create jobs and give people an alternative shopping option. I haven’t heard any negative feedback about it at all – only positive comments. “It’s disappointing they weren’t able to offer the full household range, but people are delighted to see this food store coming to the area. It will also bring extra footfall into the retail park and benefit neighbouring businesses.” The supermarket will feature Marks & Spencer’s full food range, including bakery items, fresh produce, ready meals and specialist ranges such as Planet Kitchen and Free From. Most read in Money Comment now