Exciting news for shoppers! An M&S in Bolton is expanding to become a regional flagship, enhancing the shopping experience and creating new jobs in the area.
Bolton: An M&S in Greater Manchester is about to get a big makeover. The store in Horwich is set to expand and become a ‘regional flagship’.
Orbit Developments is teaming up with M&S at Middlebrook Retail Park. They’ll be expanding the store into two nearby units and adding a small extension at the back. One of the units will be the old Wilko’s store.
Middlebrook Retail Park is a busy spot, with over 639,000 square feet of retail space. It’s home to various shops, including M&S, Boots, and TK Maxx. The new M&S store is expected to open in December 2026.
According to Orbit Developments, this new store will really boost the shopping experience for locals. Plus, it will create around 108 new jobs, which is fantastic for the community.
One of the units being redeveloped has been empty since Wilko’s closed in August 2023. Orbit Developments sees this as a positive move for the park’s future.
They’re also working with Boots to keep them at Middlebrook. Boots has been a long-time tenant, and they’ve been offered alternative premises to stay in the park.
A spokesperson said that creating a new full-line store has been a long-term goal for M&S. They’re excited to support this vision, which will bring new life to the park and benefit everyone.
Construction is expected to start in late 2025, with the new M&S store opening in December 2026.
It’s worth noting that Bolton’s Deansgate M&S store closed in April 2023, which was a big loss for the town. That building has been empty since then.
Last year, council leader Nick Peel mentioned they still hope to bring M&S back to the town center. They’re looking at various redevelopment projects that could attract around 5,000 new residents.
