What We’re Proposing
PRZM Real Estate has submitted a planning application to bring forward a new retail development on land east of Silksworth Lane, a site that has been underutilised for years and is ready for investment. M&S will anchor the scheme with a new Foodhall of approximately 24,500 sq ft, sitting alongside a new Aldi supermarket and a Starbucks Coffee drive-through.
The M&S Foodhall will deliver the very best of M&S Food in a modern, energy-efficient and attractively landscaped setting, ensuring a long-term commitment to serving local residents and supporting Sunderland’’s economy.
Key Features:
A modern M&S Foodhall offering the full range of M&S Food, including fresh produce, bakery goods, ready meals and seasonal products.
238 new standard car parking spaces, 15 parent and child spaces, 1 EV accessible space, 7 EV charging spaces and, 15 accessible car parking spaces
Extensive landscaping, planting and biodiversity improvements across the site
An energy-efficient building design aligned with M&S's sustainability standards
Improved pedestrian routes through the site and to nearby bus stops
A new crossing on Silksworth Lane with two new connections to the existing footpath along Silksworth Lane to improve safety and accessibility
A detailed drainage strategy has been incorporated to ensure that overland surface water flows that currently impact nearby houses will be managed, mitigating flood risk.
Sustainability First
The new M&S Foodhall will be fully electric and expertly designed to reduce energy use. It will support M&S's Plan A target of becoming a net zero business by 2040, and will be one of the most sustainably designed stores in the north of England.
Key sustainability features include:
Energy-efficient lighting and building services
EV charging infrastructure
Use of energy management systems
Extensive landscaping and planting across the site
Good public transport links
Easy to Access, Easy to Shop
Silksworth Lane is one of the main arterial routes through the south of Sunderland, well served by bus routes and within walking distance of established residential neighbourhoods. The proposals also include new pedestrian connections through the site and, crucially, a new controlled crossing on a key desire line between two bus stops on Silksworth Lane itself, addressing a gap in the existing pedestrian infrastructure. There will also be sheffield stands provided for 12 bikes.
Whether you arrive by car, bus, on foot or on a bike, getting to and from the new store will be straightforward. The car park will include accessible bays, parent-and-child spaces and electric vehicle charging, ensuring the site works well for all visitors.
A Boost for Local Jobs
Across the wider development, the scheme is expected to create around 150 direct new permanent jobs, and 55 indirect and induced full time jobs across the wider supply chain once operational, with a significant number of those roles directly within the M&S Foodhall. M&S is known for providing high-quality employment, offering dedicated staff training, career development opportunities and fair pay, helping colleagues build long-term careers close to home.
Construction will also support employment in the short term, with GMI Construction Group PLC committed to working with local contractors and suppliers wherever possible. There will 125 temporary full time jobs, and 150 indirect jobs created during the construction period. The aim is for Sunderland businesses to benefit from day one, not just once the doors open.
Community Benefits
M&S works with more than 9,000 Select Farm partners across the UK, including producers based in the Northeast, and with a network of regional suppliers who support jobs throughout the local supply chain.
Our employability scheme Marks & Start launched in 2004, helping young people at a disadvantage in their job hunt gain valuable retail work experience. The new Sunderland store would bring these opportunities to the city.
M&S also partners with Neighbourly to redistribute edible food surplus from its stores to local charities and community groups, ensuring nothing goes to waste and those who need support most can access it.