M&S is encouraging people to show support for its Foodhall plans on disused land in Sunderland.

Earlier this year, national retailer Marks and Spencer announced their plans for a Foodhall in Silksworth Lane as part of a £15m retail scheme on the land, which also includes an Aldi and Starbucks drive-through.

How a new Silksworth M&S Foodhall could look | M&S

placeholder image — How a new Silksworth M&S Foodhall could look | M&S

Opposite Sainsbury’s Silksworth and The Range, the land is currently empty, with public consultation taking place soon after plans were announced.

Local residents and stakeholders were invited to review the plans and provide feedback, including objections, for the development, ahead of a formal planning submission by developer PRZM Real Estate.

Under the plans, which would create 150 new jobs, a new signalised pedestrian crossing is planned on Silksworth Lane, as well as improved pedestrian walkways across the site.

Now, the planning application will be considered by Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee on July 20.

Although the public consultation has now closed, ahead of the meeting, M&S is encouraging residents who would like to see the proposals approved to submit a letter of support through their project website, available at www.silksworthmands.co.uk

Computer generated images of the proposed retail development in Silksworth set to house M&S Food Hall, Aldi supermarket and Starbucks drive-thru | Submitted

Philip Barker-Thomson, Regional Manager at M&S, said: “We’re excited by the opportunity to create a fantastic new store for Silksworth residents and bring them the very best of M&S Food.

“Customers would be able to shop the full M&S Food range, from everyday essentials to new viral products and easily collect online M&S fashion, home & beauty orders via Click & Collect.

“We are keen to keep growing our store footprint across the North East, where we work with over 300 Select Farm partners and employ around 2,000 colleagues.

“A massive thank you to everyone who has shared their views on the plans so far - the response has been great and there is still time to show your support. If approved, our focus will be on delivering trusted value and exceptional quality for all customers, and of course that touch of M&S magic.”

If approved by Sunderland City Council, the scheme will see M&S open a new 24,500 sq ft Foodhall - the retailer’s second store in the city following the opening of its expanded store in Washington - standing alongside a 20,500 sq ft Aldi and a 1,800 sq ft drive-through Starbucks coffee shop.

M&S closed its High Street West store back in 2024, with the retailer proving a big miss to the city centre.

The planning application (reference 26/00144/FU4) will be determined by Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee on 20 July. All comments, including objections, made so far can be viewed via the planning portal.