Sacha Berendji, the operations director at M&S, expressed satisfaction with Friday’s judgment, stating that the court’s decision was clear and favorable to M&S.
The court agreed with M&S’s arguments on five out of the six counts brought forward, ruling that the secretary of state’s decision to block the redevelopment of the Marble Arch store was unlawful.
Berendji highlighted the significant impact of the decision on the retail-led regeneration of Oxford Street. He emphasized that the project would deliver one of London’s greenest buildings, create thousands of new jobs, and rejuvenate the capital’s premier shopping district.
Lawyers in High Court (Credits: slate.com)
He stated, “The result has been a long, unnecessary, and costly delay to the only retail-led regeneration on Oxford Street.” Berendji emphasized the potential benefits of the project, stating that it would not only create jobs and improve the shopping district but also contribute to London’s environmental goals by delivering a green building.
In response to the judgment, a spokesperson from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities acknowledged the ruling and stated, “We acknowledge the judgment and are considering our next steps.” The spokesperson added, “It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
The court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing saga of the Marble Arch store redevelopment. The project has faced numerous challenges and delays, including the secretary of state’s decision to block the redevelopment.
M&S has been a key player in the effort to regenerate Oxford Street, with plans to create a flagship store that would serve as a cornerstone of the revitalization project. The court’s ruling in favor of M&S is likely to be welcomed by many who see the redevelopment as a crucial step in the regeneration of Oxford Street.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities now faces a decision on how to proceed in light of the court’s ruling. The spokesperson’s statement indicates that the department is considering its next steps carefully.
The court’s decision represents a significant victory for M&S and a step forward for the regeneration of Oxford Street. It remains to be seen how the project will progress in light of the ruling, but the decision is likely to be seen as a positive development by those who support the redevelopment effort.
