Work starts on potential M&S Oban site

WORK has started on the former Lidl store on Oban’s Lochavullin Industrial Estate, which is believed to be where an M&S Foodhall is set to open, writes David McPhee.

Fences were positioned around the site last week, which created a buzz on social media.

A spokesman for Marks and Spencer refused to confirm if they are behind the work, but said they remained interested in coming to Oban.

Under the ‘New Store Registration’ section on its website, there is an Oban section where people can show their interest in applying for jobs.

It reads: ‘We’re always looking for great talent for our new stores. While we’re not recruiting for the stores below just yet, you can let us know that you’re interested by registering your details. Select the role and store you’re interested in, enter your details and we’ll let you know when we post vacancies.’

A planning application on the Argyll and Bute Council website, with the subject line M&S Oban Retail Unit, shows plans to revamp the outside of the building.

It will see a number of large windows replace the current brickwork, with ‘umbra grey cladding’ above, from the ‘M&S colour palette’.

On a popular public Facebook group, someone said: ‘Marks and Sparks at last. And you never know once they become established they may well extend.’

Another member of the public said: ‘I love Marks. It is expensive though. Many people won’t be able to afford to get shopping in there, especially big families.

‘I went to Fort William yesterday and paid a fair bit more than I would have in Tesco but I have to say it is all lovely stuff and won’t be in all the time so I don’t mind.’

Another said: ‘Just what Oban needs. [It] will bring a lot of people to the town. I get so many visitors asking where our M&S is.’ ‘M&S food is not that expensive,’ someone else wrote. ‘I go to Fort William so I can shop at the one there and, of course, Morrisons. Cannot wait.’

An M&S Foodhall opened in Fort William at the end of November last year.

The 8,000 sq ft store features a 24-seat café, bakery and an extensive range of food and drink.

The Fort foodhall is the most remote M&S store in mainland UK.