The application, approved today, will see Marks and Spencer occupy Units 3 and 4 at the retail park. Unit 3 was formerly occupied by Carpetright and Unit 4 by Harry Corry; both are currently vacant.
The new foodstore will have a gross internal area of 1,870 square metres, with a net sales area of 1,325 square metres. Of this, 1,195 square metres will be dedicated to food sales, with the remainder for non-food comparison goods. A click and collect service will be available, but the clothing and home offer will not be provided.
Marks and Spencer has confirmed that their existing store on King Street, Kilmarnock, will close at the end of March 2027 when its lease expires. The company stated that the current store no longer meets their business model requirements. Crucially, the 71 jobs currently employed at the King Street store will be transferred to the new Queens Drive location.
In reaching their decision, the Planning Committee considered all submitted information and determined the application on its planning merits before resolving to grant permission for the new store.
