Should Wokingham Reach Out to M&S to Fill the Gap Left by Original Clothing Factory?

The closure of Original Clothing Factory at 32–33 Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AP has left a noticeable gap in the heart of the town centre. The empty unit occupies a highly visible, well-positioned spot — and many residents are now asking whether this could be an opportunity rather than a setback.

One name keeps coming up: Marks & Spencer.

A Food Hall Gap in Wokingham

Despite Wokingham’s strong demographics and loyal local customer base, the town centre currently lacks a major, high-quality food retailer. Shoppers often travel out of town for premium convenience food shopping — something that could arguably be retained locally.

Marks & Spencer has been increasingly focused on Food Hall-led stores, with many new and relocated branches prioritising food over clothing. According to retail property sources and previous location assessments, Wokingham has been on M&S’s wider list of potential towns when considering future Food Hall opportunities. See article here

With the right site now available, the timing may be right to reopen that conversation.

Why the Market Place Site Makes Sense

The former Original Clothing Factory unit offers several features that align with what M&S typically looks for in a food-focused store:

• Central Market Place location
• Strong pedestrian footfall
• Close proximity to parking and public transport
• A unit size that could suit a modern Food Hall format
• Surrounded by independent retailers, cafés and services

A Food Hall in this location could act as an anchor, encouraging people to spend longer in the town centre and supporting neighbouring businesses.

Should the Council and Community Get Involved?

Retailers rarely choose locations in isolation. Local authority engagement and visible community demand can make a real difference.

Wokingham Borough Council’s economic development team could:

• Proactively approach M&S’s property team
• Present local spending and footfall data
• Highlight Wokingham’s affluence, growth and catchment area
• Demonstrate community backing for a Food Hall-led store

Community support also matters. Retailers pay attention when they see clear evidence that residents want a store — not just tolerate it.

Have Your Say

So we’re asking local residents directly:

Would you like an M&S Food Hall in Wokingham town centre?

• Would it make you shop locally more often?
• Would it bring you into the town centre more regularly?
• Do you think it would help or harm independent shops?

Let us know in the comments, on social media, or by contacting your local councillors. If enough voices are heard, this could be a moment where the future of Wokingham High Street is actively shaped — rather than passively accepted.

As we’ve previously explored in our look at the future of the High Street, change is inevitable — but what replaces lost shops matters. The question now is whether Wokingham seizes this opportunity.

See Comments from Wokingham Community