Why it matters: The development would bring back into use an iconic landmark that has been derelict since Toys R Us went into administration in 2018, with residents describing the empty building as "sad and neglected" and "not a good impression for first-time visitors" approaching Ipswich.
The details: Babergh councillors will discuss the plans at the Copdock Interchange on Wednesday. M&S's bid would see the building refurbished and extended with a £31m total investment, adding 2,755 square metres to the store.
If approved, existing restrictions on what could be sold would be lifted.
The proposals received support from four local residents, with no objections made.
What they're saying: One resident said: "Yes please to this development, it's about time. There is absolutely no reason for it to be delayed – creates jobs for local people, brings the choice of quality food and clothing to the area."
Another added: "Yes, yes, yes, for the love of god, yes. Time to fill an empty building and breathe some life into the area. M&S would be welcome!"
A third said: "At last! A positive outcome for a sad and neglected building. This iconic landmark heralds the approach to Ipswich, our county town, and at the moment, it is not a good impression for first-time visitors."
The other side: The council acknowledged concerns around negative impacts on the town centre, but said retail stores could no longer be relied upon as a centrepiece for viability.
"There are reasons to be optimistic about the direction of travel in the town centre that will keep footfall and investor sentiment high," they said.
Babergh's economic redevelopment and regeneration team added that the building has fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect, and this now detracts from the visual appearance of the area.
The team said: "This proposal represents an opportunity to bring the unit back into long-term economic use, with a sustainable refurbishment that revitalises this strategic gateway site."
By the numbers: The new store is expected to create around 138 new jobs, prioritising local people, with some relocating from the existing store in Westgate Street, in Ipswich, which would be re-sized.
For context: When M&S's plans were first announced last year, council leaders said the deal would secure "an ongoing M&S presence in Ipswich town centre" alongside the new Copdock store. However, Ipswich Borough Council leader Neil MacDonald later confirmed there is no contractual agreement requiring M&S to keep the town centre store open.
What's next: Officers have recommended the plans for approval, subject to conditions.
The bottom line: After seven years sitting empty, the former Toys R Us building could finally return to use, with local residents and council officers united in support of bringing life back to what they describe as a neglected gateway to Ipswich.
