M&S plans for '˜food hall' in Carrickfergus

One of the high street's most iconic retailers is a step closer to launching a new branch along one of Carrick's busiest routes.

Mid And East Antrim Council confirmed this week it had received notification from Marks and Spencer over plans to open a food hall at 75 Belfast Road.

It follows the company’s submission of Pre-Application Notice (PAN) to the local authority for the proposed branch.

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Stressing that while it is “not a formal planning application”, a spokesperson for MEA added that new legislation requires applicants to notify the council 12 weeks in advance of submitting such an application.

If approved, M&S will be the second high-profile retailer to set up shop in the town in recent months after Amazon opened a distribution centre at Kilroot Business Park.

Welcoming the news was East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson. “There will be a community consultation in October and I encourage local people to participate,” he added. “I would also hope that such an outlet will encourage people to come to Carrickfergus and whilst in the vicinity visit other parts of the town and bring trade to the town centre.”