Marks & Spencer (M&S) is considering closing its Ormskirk town centre store and relocating to a significantly larger site in Burscough. The proposed new food hall, located near Ringtail Retail Park, would measure 18,000 square feet—three times the size of the current Ormskirk store.
New Store Details
If the plans proceed, existing staff from the Ormskirk site would transfer to the new location, and approximately 25 new jobs would be created. The Ormskirk shop on Market Way would close. Property developer Rothstone Estates is collaborating with M&S on the project, which is situated near the A59 Liverpool Road South and Pippin Street roundabout. Customer access would be via High Lane. The site previously housed a care home.
Public Consultation and Features
M&S has launched an online public survey to gather feedback on the proposal. The retailer stated: "We have been searching for a new site locally for some time to provide a better shopping experience and wider product range. We are keen to secure our future locally to continue offering high-quality, award-winning products for Burscough and Ormskirk residents. If planning is approved, the new store will stock the full M&S food range, including fresh produce and the latest product launches."
The planned store includes an in-store bakery, dedicated flower and wine shops, and a click-and-collect point for online orders. Outside, 152 parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points are proposed, along with landscaping around the site perimeter. Operating hours are expected to be 8am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Local Impact and Planning
West Lancashire Council is expected to handle the planning application if M&S proceeds. The proposal could spark debate among councillors, businesses, and residents regarding its impact on Ormskirk, local economies, and future traffic levels in Burscough. M&S highlighted its long-standing relationships with 9,000 select farms across the UK, including 20 in Lancashire.
Rothstone Estates, based in Yorkshire, specializes in mixed-use property schemes and roadside food retail developments, having worked on other M&S stores nationwide. For more information on local planning applications, traffic diversions, and other community updates, visit the Public Notices Portal.
