New M&S store outside Ipswich to start construction

The new M&S store, which will replace the former Toys R Us at the Copdock Interchange, was approved by Babergh District Council in December 2025.

At the time of approval, M&S hoped that the store would open by autumn 2027, but the supermarket giant is yet to announce an official opening date.

An M&S spokesperson said: "We are finalising plans for the store and work is set to start onsite early next year.

"Our new 60,000 sq ft full-line store will offer the very best of M&S Food, Fashion and Beauty for customers and create over 120 new local jobs. We'll keep the community updated as work progresses."

There were fears the new M&S store could drive customers away from Ipswich town centre (Image: Charlotte Bond)

M&S announced in November 2025 that it had agreed a deal to take over the site from Ipswich Borough Assets, which is owned by Ipswich Borough Council.

As part of the agreement, the borough council negotiated a clause requiring M&S to keep its current store in Ipswich's Westgate Street open.

The existing shop had been expected to close when customers were redirected to the new store.

The development is expected to provide 328 customer parking spaces and 43 staff spaces. It will also include 24 cycle parking spaces.

M&S previously said the project could create more than 100 jobs. The latest statement puts the expected number of new local jobs at more than 120.

The planning meeting in December 2025, which saw the council approve the plans, saw councillors raise concerns about parts of the scheme, including the steepness of an access ramp and traffic lights planned for a nearby roundabout.

Councillor Helen Davies asked for more information about the proposed traffic lights when the plans were approved (Image: Babergh District Council)

Councillor Tim Regester said the ramp could pose a risk if drivers and cyclists were travelling too quickly.

Councillor Helen Davies asked for more information about the proposed traffic lights.

There were also concerns that the store could draw shoppers away from Ipswich town centre.

Councillor Michael Holt said it "was not the responsibility of M&S" to protect the town centre.

The planning committee unanimously approved the application after hearing those concerns.