Spelthorne Borough Council announces the purchase of 105-117 High Street in the heart of Staines-upon-Thames - January 2021

Spelthorne Borough Council can announce the purchase of the freehold of the former Marks & Spencer building in the heart of Staines-upon-Thames.  Having bought the Elmsleigh Centre in February 2020 this opportunity supports the Councils regeneration and housing strategy for Staines town centre, to the benefit of its residents and local retail businesses.

M&S, having successfully relocated to their new premises in Two Rivers Retail Park in Staines, commented as follows, "The store spent many happy years at The Elmsleigh Centre  and are delighted with the opening of our new Food Hall within Two Rivers Retail Park and look forward to continuing to serve our customers in the future".

The Elmsleigh Centre, which was opened in February 1980 by Her Majesty The Queen, is at the very centre of Staines.   The former M&S premises is in a key location, adjacent in terms of the High Street and forms a gateway linking up with the East Mall within the Centre.  This new acquisition therefore completes its ownership of a clear block of real estate enabling the Council to have full control over the future of the Elmsleigh Centre and immediate surroundings, ensuring prosperity and vibrancy for the town.

Cllr James McIlroy, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Investment Property Management and Regeneration said, "This acquisition is a key step forward in Spelthorne Council's ambitions to regenerate Staines-upon-Thames and to create a thriving community for current and future residents. Additionally, this Council has prioritised to build affordable homes for its residents and this purchase represents an opportunity to deliver this commitment alongside other redevelopment prospects while retaining this valuable retail unit on the high street. "

Cllr Satvindar Buttar, Portfolio Holder for Finance said, "As we come into 2021, following a year of challenges for all of us and in particular the retail sector, we present here a positive and forward-looking opportunity that will facilitate the overarching aspirations for the Borough. We believe this purchase will kickstart transformational change and provide a catalyst for post-COVID recovery by delivering control of a strategic building back to Spelthorne Council." 

Notes to Editors:

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