Shoppers have backed Marks & Spencer’s plans to open a new food store in South London.
The retailer is set to open a new food hall in the former Wilkinson’s store on Mitcham Road, in Tooting, which locals hope will revive the area.
The future of the building has been uncertain since Wilko shut in 2023. But these questions have now been answered, as M&S has submitted two planning applications to Wandsworth Council to carry out minor works to the building and put up signs to allow it to open a new food hall there.
It does not need any extra permission to operate at the site, which is opposite Tooting Broadway Underground station.
The move would mark M&S’s return to the area, as it previously had a store on the road for 40 years until it shut in 2008. Residents have thrown their support behind the plans on the council’s website, stating the new food hall would help the neighbourhood.
One commenter wrote: “This is fantastic news. Many residents have dreamed of a local M&S, especially after the sad news of Wilko going and other local shops shutting. It’s so important for Tooting town centre to maintain its vibrant and diverse mix of different types of shop so that the local community can buy what they need close by.”
Another supporter said: “I think this would be a welcome addition to Tooting Broadway, a positive presence in a location that has seemed depressing after shop closures and especially useful because of its closeness to the Tube station.”
A third added: “This is fantastic. Tooting needs more shops that aren’t corner shops or yet another barber shop. The council and councillors should definitely support and approve this. It would be great to have a store such as M&S in Tooting.”
Planning documents said the new M&S would “provide employment opportunities and wider economic benefits”. They added the store would “benefit the vitality and viability of the surrounding retail centre, provide enhanced consumer choice with a quality range of fresh goods, as well as bring back into use a site which is currently vacant”.
Wandsworth Council will make a decision on both planning applications in due course.
