Town centre boost as M&S unveils plans for expanded Sanderson Arcade Food Hall

6 May 2026

Plans have been submitted for a significant expansion of the M&S Food Hall at Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth, marking a major vote of confidence in the town centre and a long‑term commitment to its future.

The proposals include a brand-new 15‑year lease and a substantial upgrade to the store’s food offering, bringing M&S’s latest modern Food Hall layout and design to the heart of Morpeth.

The expansion strengthens the town’s food retail offer and reinforces the “town centre first” approach championed by both the Arcade and local partners.

Under the plans, the existing Food Hall will extend into the ground-floor general merchandise space, creating a larger, more contemporary shopping environment.

The existing upper floor will be repurposed for back‑of‑house operations as well as unlocking space for nine brand new residential town centre apartments - further supporting footfall and vibrancy in Morpeth.

While the new store will focus primarily on food, customers will continue to have access to the full M&S range through a convenient click‑and‑collect service.

With M&S approaching the end of its current lease at Sanderson Arcade, this is a strategically important moment for the retailer to determine its long‑term position in Morpeth.

Securing a new 15‑year commitment ensures operational certainty and protects a key anchor presence in a prime town centre location - reinforcing Sanderson Arcade as a high‑quality trading environment.

M&S has been a cornerstone of Sanderson Arcade since it opened in 2009. This latest investment not only future‑proofs the retailer’s presence but also demonstrates a clear and long-term commitment to Morpeth’s town centre.

Commenting on the plans, James Shepherd, Managing Director of Dransfield Properties, said: “This is a really positive move for Morpeth and a real endorsement of our town centre first approach, protecting the town from out-of-town retail development.

“M&S committing to a new 15‑year lease and investing in an expanded, modern Food Hall demonstrates the strength and potential of the town centre. Morpeth is one of the few areas in the country where successive authorities have promoted town centre first regeneration and resisted the easy option to build out of town.

“Our company is committed to investing in town centres, they are the economic and social heart of a community, and their strength is critical to long‑term prosperity and wellbeing.

“We’re proud to have worked with the local authority for more than twenty years to enhance and diversify the town centre offer. A successful town centre drives demand, attracts investment and underpins the area’s overall desirability. This latest commitment from M&S will further support the long‑term vitality of the town’s core and continue to deliver for local shoppers.”

Once the plans are approved, work is expected to begin in January next year, with the new-look Food Hall scheduled to open in the summer of 2027.

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk