Plans have been submitted for a new M&S foodhall and a flexible workspace in Purley.

Grove Property submitted the plans to Croydon Council after consulting with local residents and the wider community throughout the summer.

If the plans are approved, the former Milk & More Depot on Brightson Road, Purley will be transformed into a new Cultural & Creative Hub and an M&S Foodhall.

Over 470 people submitted feedback with 96 per cent of respondents supporting the proposed plans.

The scheme is planned to deliver up to 149 jobs for local people and the regeneration of neglected and vacant buildings.

There will also be a 70-space car park added to the community if the plans go through.

Following extensive pre-application consultation with Croydon Council, Grove Property have refined the proposal to bring the scheme forward on the basis of a more design-led and heritage focused approach.

Nick Snashall, of Grove Property, who is leading the team behind the plans, said: “We are delighted to have submitted a planning application to deliver this exciting proposal for a site which is currently vacant with derelict buildings.

"This investment will regenerate the area, create jobs, and bring a new shopping experience to Purley.

“The plans would also deliver a new Cultural & Creative Enterprise Hub providing flexible studio / workshop space to support local creative businesses.

“It has been great to see the widespread support for our plans throughout the local community, and moving forward we are committed to keeping local residents informed on the progress of this exciting project.”

A spokesperson for M&S said: “We’re hoping to open a brand new, fresh market-style M&S Foodhall in Purley, offering local customers a wide range of M&S Food products, including displays of great quality, trusted value produce from M&S Select Farms, and a fantastic new M&S Bakery offering fresh daily-baked breads and pastries.”