Marks and Spencer Newcastle Unveil Impressive New Look Eco Store
Marks & Spencer on Northumberland Street has been unveiled today (30th March) as one of the most eco-friendly and visually impressive stores in the North East, with the most striking development being a 167 square metre green wall on the side of the building.
The official launch of the new look store was marked with an event that also celebrated the start of British Summer time. Members of the public were treated to a relaxation area with decked chairs, M&S food samples, and a ‘selfie spot’ was even set aside for people to have fun capturing their very own #greenwallselfie.
The creation of the green wall, which is irrigated by rainwater and has been made using nearly 16,000 individual plants, features alongside a number of other eco-friendly changes in-store. Intelligent door sensors, LED fridge lighting and a new heat reclaim system will all help to improve M&S Newcastle’s energy efficiency by 20% whilst enhancing the customer experience.
Mike Barry, Director of Sustainable Business at M&S said: ‘M&S Newcastle is one of our most important stores so the finished green wall and store’s eco energy refit is hugely exciting for everyone at M&S. We hope the completion of this project will boost Northumberland Street, and provide our customers with an improved shopping experience. The green wall is a real standout, and with summer just around the corner we hope it will continue to flourish’.
To further mark the occasion, M&S has also donated 100 of the same plants used in the green wall to three local Primary Schools which are part of Newcastle City Council’s Enviro schools programme; St John Vianney RC, Canning Street Primary and Broadway East First School. These are a selection of plants helped to create the green wall which include species such as Sea Pink, Thyme, Cranesbill, Wood Rush, Hebe and Ferns.
Nikki McKidd, Store Manager at M&S Newcastle, said: “What a great way to officially unveil our new look store. It has been fantastic to see so many people join us today to learn more about the changes that have been made and to appreciate our impressive green wall that will offer a source of nectar for butterflies and bees and seeds for birds. Our customers have been very patient whilst works to make the store more eco-friendly have been underway and today goes to show that shoppers are in great support of it. Now we can’t wait for the summer weather to take hold so we can see the green wall in all its glory!”
Tony Dunn, 64, from Newcastle, said: “Isn’t the green wall fantastic! It really stands out and brightens up the street for passers-by. It’s been a great atmosphere here today and it’s been interesting to learn more about the eco-features that now exist in store. I’m impressed with the intelligent door sensors and also the heat pumps in the deli that will keep customers’ feet warm!”
Tom Warburton, Director of Investment and Development commented: “We are delighted that Marks and Spencer have invested in a number of sustainability features in their flagship store on Northumberland Street, and the living wall helps to visually demonstrate their green credentials.”
Improvements to M&S Newcastle follow on from the refit of four Simply Food stores last year.
