Published Friday 24 November 2023 at 6:03
Following the news of Marks & Spencer’s plans to open a foodhall at Frontier Park retail park, Blackburn with Darwen Council Leader has shared this reaction to the news.
Coun Phil Riley said:
Marks & Spencer have been such a brilliant part of Blackburn town centre for as long as people can remember. Sadly, changes to how retail operates is something that we have to accept.
This is not a surprise as we knew it was under discussion at senior levels in Marks & Spencer, but we’ve always hoped for the best about keeping a large store – and I know the Blackburn team did too. I’m pleased there will be other opportunities for staff to relocate and that people in Blackburn and surrounding areas will have a new store.
The building currently occupied by Marks & Spencer is privately owned though we will be doing everything possible to make sure that the space is used for something people can enjoy when the time comes for the store to relocate in a couple of years’ time.