UK Government Approves Demolition of Marks & Spencer's Oxford Street Flagship Store

The contentious redevelopment plan, delayed for years, will replace the 1930s store with a modern sustainable building, despite criticism from conservation groups.

UK housing secretary Angela Rayner approved Marks & Spencer's plan to demolish and rebuild its 94-year-old flagship store on Oxford Street.
The decision follows a High Court ruling that overturned a previous rejection by former housing secretary Michael Gove, calling his decision unlawful.
The new ten-story development will include a smaller M&S store, offices, a pedestrian arcade, a café, and a gym, with a focus on sustainability and job creation.
Critics argue the demolition contradicts net-zero goals, advocating for retrofitting the historic building, while M&S insists the current structure is unsuitable for modern use.
M&S claims the redevelopment will support 2,000 jobs, reduce operational energy use by 75%, and reuse 95% of materials from the existing building.