A MARKS and Spencer Simply Food store could finally be coming to Chippenham.

The firm is holding a public exhibition for a proposed new foodstore at the Bath Road Retail Park to gather opinions on its proposals.

The new outlet would sit adjacent to TK Maxx and Next, both of which are already in the retail park opposite Sainsburys.

Representatives from the company’s project team will be available at the exhibition outside the proposed new store, which is running from 10am to 4pm, on Friday and Saturday.

A spokesman for Marks & Spencer said: “We are proposing to bring an exciting new M&S Foodhall to the Bath Road Retail Park in Chippenham.

“It’s still in the very early stages but if the development was to go ahead, it would allow us to bring a full M&S food offer to Chippenham and create around 50 new jobs for the local area.”

M&S Simply Food was originally going to be tenants at a re-developed Bridge Centre in the centre of Chippenham with TK Maxx before the outlet store got permission to build on Bath Road where they opened in February this year.

With TK Maxx moving to the out of town retail park, the Wiltshire Council owned Bridge Centre could not be sold.

Money for a new £275,000 skate park in Chippenham, which would have been funded by the sale, did not appear.

Carolyn Brownell, Chippenham Business Improvement District manager, said: “While we would have liked to have seen Marks & Spencer opening in the town centre, we have to recognise that the new store in Methuen Park is a significant boost for Chippenham and further proof that the town is being seen as increasingly attractive to premium brands.

“Other premium brands are sure to follow and many will undoubtedly view the improving town centre as the ideal location. This will further establish Chippenham as a shopping destination and increase footfall to the benefit of all retailers.

“Chippenham needs to attract inward investment, as well as attracting shoppers from across the region.

“The new Marks & Spencer will help that process, and visitors coming to Chippenham for Marks & Spencer will also come in to the town centre, attracted by marketing, events, better town centre management, a more pleasant environment, and a healthy retail experience.”

For those unable to attend the exhibition, comments can be sent to mandschippenham@nlpplanning.com