New M&S Foodhall Approved for Former Homebase Site in Poole

Shoppers in Poole will soon have a brand-new place to pick up their favourite M&S food, as plans for a new M&S Foodhall at the former Homebase site in Poole Retail Park have officially been approved.

The new store will take over part of the vacant Homebase unit at Redlands Retail Park, which has stood empty since the retailer closed in 2025. The redevelopment forms part of a wider investment into the site, helping bring a large empty retail unit back into use.

The proposed M&S Foodhall is expected to span around 20,000 sq ft, creating one of the larger standalone food stores in the area. Plans suggest shoppers can look forward to a fresh food-focused shopping experience, including an in-store bakery, hot food counters and a wider range of M&S groceries.

As part of the redevelopment, the former Homebase building will be divided into two retail units, with M&S occupying one section and a second retailer expected to take the remaining space in the future.

The investment is also expected to create around 90 new jobs across retail, customer service and logistics roles, providing a welcome boost for the local economy. M&S has previously confirmed plans to invest significantly into the Poole site as part of its national programme of opening new Foodhalls in former Homebase locations.

Plans approved for the site also include improvements to parking and accessibility, with proposals for an extended car park providing 199 parking spaces alongside 58 cycle spaces. The redevelopment is expected to modernise the currently vacant retail unit while improving the overall customer experience at the retail park.

For Dorset shoppers, the approval could mean easier access to a larger M&S food offering, complementing existing stores in areas such as Westbourne and Castlepoint.

While an opening date has not yet been confirmed, previous consultation information suggested work could begin during 2026, with the Foodhall opening later in the year.