M&S plans expansion

Retail giant Marks & Spencer is set to expand its store at Kidderminster's £60million flagship Weavers Wharf shopping complex.

The clothing, home and food retailer is looking at extending its mezzanine level, currently only used for "back of house" purposes, to display more stock and create a cafeteria.

Plans for the project have been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council and will be considered at a meeting on Tuesday.

The company says its Kidderminster branch has become so popular that it often becomes too crowded for comfort.

Civic leaders hope the expansion will attract shoppers from outside the Wyre Forest area and boost the local economy.

The news follows the recent announcement that Debenhams will be moving into the Slingfield Mill premises at Weavers Wharf.

The proposed new M&S mezzanine area, measuring 1,777 square metres, would include a new coffee shop, customer toilets, new fitting rooms and additional tills.

The retailer plans to install escalators from the groundfloor to the first floor, a lift for elderly and disabled customers, and a public staircase with fire escape.

Agents Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners, acting on behalf of the retailer, said: "The Marks & Spencer store at Weavers Wharf currently trades very strongly, however, the store gets congested and this adversely affects the customer retail experience with the store.

"The limited space within the store also restricts the number of produce lines and the depth of stock that can be held at the store, which also impacts negatively upon customers."

Planning officers at the district council have recommended delegated approval for the scheme subject to a £5,000 contribution towards a public art scheme at Weavers Wharf such as a heritage trail.