The opening day for the new M&S foodhall in Abingdon has been officially announced.

Work is progressing at the former Homebase unit situated within Fairacres Retail Park, with the launch set for next week.

The retail space spans more than 18,000 square feet and the foodhall is being created as part of M&S’s ongoing rotation and renewal programme.

The fresh outlet will create 75 work positions, with recruitment already in progress.

M&S announced today that Wednesday, April 22 will serve as the official opening day.

Paddy Sunderland, the store manager at M&S Abingdon, has spent six years working for the company. According to Sunderland, the team was looking forward to welcoming customers to the new venue in the heart of Oxfordshire. He described his enthusiasm about greeting patrons and showcasing the extensive M&S Food range alongside the quality and value the company is known for. The outlet will stock the complete collection of M&S Food products, covering all requirements for weekly grocery needs as well as selections for those seeking a quick meal or browsing the latest seasonal items.

The site will offer the full M&S Food range, from everyday essentials to household basics and recently launched products.

Shoppers can look forward to an in-store bakery and coffee station, complete with an assortment of freshly baked bread and pastries, together with barista-crafted takeaway drinks and a hot poultry counter offering BBQ and butter-basted flavour British rotisserie chicken.

The store will additionally carry fresh produce sourced from M&S’s