Plans for new Marks & Spencer store in Dorset

The new store would replace the St Mary Street branch

A planning application has been submitted for a new Marks & Spencer (M&S) store at Weymouth Gateway in Dorset.

The new branch would replace the M&S in St Mary Street, which is due to close when its lease expires in 2027.

Sixty jobs will be moved to the new building and an additional 45 will be created, M&S said.

Matthew Hawke, regional manager, said: "It’s fantastic that plans are progressing for our brand-new store."

It would join other businesses such as Aldi, B&M, Costa, Dunelm and McDonald's at Gateway Retail Park.

With 3,886 sq m of floorspace the new store will be bigger than the old Dorchester store and the existing Weymouth branch, combined.

Mr Hawke said: "Our planned multimillion-pound investment in Weymouth is not only a sign of our commitment to the town but to delivering the best possible store for our customers here."

The planning application includes 234 additional parking spaces including 10 extra EV charging points and covered cycle racks.

Dorset Council is expected to approve the plans at a meeting on 3 October.