What readers think should fill the space when M&S leaves Leicester City

Just over a week ago, retail giant Marks and Spencer told LeicestershireLive that it was planning to leave the city center site. On the day the news broke, an M&S spokesman said the company had made the “tough” decision about the huge Gallowtree Gate branch because of changing shopping habits.

The company needed to ensure it had the right stores to provide a “brilliant shopping experience”, they added. The news was met with consternation by many.

Marjorie Oldfield spoke to LeicestershireLive outside the Gallowtree Gate M&S store after the news broke. She labeled the closure “very sad.”

READ MORE: New details of Fosse Park Marks and Spencer expansion plan revealed

She also speculated on what the huge space could be turned into. She said: “I’ve been going for years since I was a kid. It won’t be the same without him here. Will it be turned into another Poundshop?”

There have also been a number of comments on the site, with people wondering what the space could be used for next and suggesting their favorite choices for its future. One shopper said: “I’d love to see The Range and a new Wilko together take over that space. It would bring a lot of people to the city.”

Another said: “Hopefully we’ll have more stores on that huge site.” A third reader posted: “This is going to be a really big charity shop in six months.”

One person suggested: “Put the market out there. Leave current website for events”. One buyer added, perhaps sarcastically, “We could turn it into student apartments.”

On Facebook, the speculation continued. Another reader said: “Not only is this a massive blow to the high street but it’s impossible to think of any retailer who would take on such a large store, maybe it will become more council offices “. While other readers again suggested it would become ‘student flats’ or perhaps ‘fast food options’.

One said: “I wonder what will go in its place, maybe a bank or another fast food or chicken shop, or a Tesco?” Another comment offered the suggestion that “a Lidl or Aldi will probably arrive”, while others questioned the likelihood of a B&M or JD Sports store.

Others took to Facebook to mourn the loss. The overwhelming sentiment on the social media platform was that at least the food hall and cafe area should remain, with comments including: “I think M&S should still have a food department for people who get a sarnie or two delights for their tea”.

Another said: “It’s a shame they can’t just keep the food hall. Bad decision to close.” One reader said: “They need to make an M&S grocery store for all the old people who rely on them for their shopping.” While another mused: “The food hall and cafe will be missed the most.”

Another said simply: “Losing the food hall is the worst.” Another reader agreed: “Keep the food hall. It’s always busy and those who use it probably won’t go to Fosse Park. One said, simply, “You’d better keep the dining room.”

On the day news of the closure was announced, Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Over the decades, Leicester, like other cities, has seen many big names come to the end of their lives. Many people will remember C&A, Lewis, BHS and Fenwick. While painful at the time, downtown has continued to be remarkably resilient, with several new businesses moving in to fill the gaps.

“While it is sad to see it go, it provides an opportunity for new life and business and the council’s investment in the town center over recent years has been very successful in attracting new growth and renewed confidence.”

Calum Telford, M&S regional manager, said: “Shopping habits are changing and our store rotation strategy is about ensuring we have the right stores with the right space to offer our customers a brilliant shopping experience. This means opening stores, investing in stores but also, unfortunately, closing others. As part of this transformation, we have taken the difficult decision to propose to close our Gallowtree Gate store in Leicester. We would like to thank all our customers who have shopped at the store over the years.”