As a former store manager, I have great affection for “the Arch”, Marks & Spencer’s Marble Arch store on Oxford Street, London. So I feel compelled to respond to Simon Jenkins’ article about plans for its demolition and redevelopment (M&S is a shining example of how not to treat the high street – or the planet, 28 October).
First, the current site, consisting of three poorly connected buildings, is a warren of dense structures and misaligned floors, not fit for today’s modern customers or staff. As we set out at the recent public inquiry, retrofitting the store is not a viable or deliverable alternative.
Second, we are unwavering in our aim to be net zero by 2040, a full 10 years ahead of the government’s ambition. Marble Arch is part of that strategy, with the new building on completion projected to be among the top 1% in London on sustainable performance. The payback on the carbon investment should be 11 years in a building with a lifespan in excess of 100 years, analysis which – following the public inquiry – is no longer disputed.
Third, regarding the rapid decline of Oxford Street, sales at Marble Arch are under half what they were during my spell 20 years ago, and footfall on the UK’s most famous high street remains significantly down on pre-Covid levels. But the answer is not to move to a commune of small traders, as the customer offer and financials would simply collapse. Modern stores from major retailers act as anchors for smaller, independent enterprises, driving footfall and paying the lion’s share of business rates, enabling lower levels for smaller players.
This is proven by what is happening to Oxford Street now. Major retailers exiting. Tacky candy stores. Antisocial behaviour. Our proposal has the backing of Selfridges, Ikea and the New West End Company because it stands up for the future of London’s most famous high street – and without action, the Oxford Street we know and love, and the small businesses that depend on it, will be gone for ever.
Sacha Berendji
Operations director, Marks & Spencer
