Marks & Spencer (M&S) is set to return to Hull with a brand-new mega store, bringing food, fashion, and homeware back to local shoppers. Plans have been submitted for a 61,000-square-foot store at Kingswood Retail Park, six years after the retailer closed its long-standing city centre branch on Whitefriargate.
The move is expected to create over 40 new jobs and marks a major investment in Hull’s retail sector. While M&S currently operates a small food shop in Kingswood, the company says it has outgrown the space. The new location will see the brand take over part of the existing Matalan unit, which will be split into two, allowing Matalan to continue trading from a smaller store.
With a large food hall on the ground floor and clothing and homeware spread across two levels, the development is being seen as a major boost for Hull’s shopping scene. Hull City Council leader Mike Ross called the plans a “huge vote of confidence” in the city’s economy.
To get a sense of how shoppers feel, we spoke to people on Whitefriargate, outside the former M&S store.
“It’s about time,” said one shopper, peering into the empty building. “M&S has been missed.”
Another welcomed the move but felt it was a missed opportunity for the city centre. “It’s good news, but I’d rather see investment back here instead of another out-of-town retail park.”
One shopper was just looking forward to an upgrade. “The current food shop at Kingswood is tiny—it’ll be good to have something bigger.”
A long-time Hull resident summed up the general feeling: “It’ll be nice to have it back, even if it’s not in the same place.”
The closure of M&S on Whitefriargate in 2019 was a blow to the high street, which has struggled in recent years. While efforts are underway to breathe new life into the area—including restoration projects and new business initiatives—the return of M&S to Hull signals how retail is changing, with more focus on larger, out-of-town shopping destinations.
Despite mixed feelings about the location, there’s no doubt that the return of M&S is big news for the city. If approved, the new store could soon welcome back shoppers who have been missing their dose of Percy Pigs, knitwear, and meal deals.