A FISHMONGERS, greengrocer and indoor market have all been suggested as things which should fill the now empty Marks and Spencer. 

It comes after the Gazette found developers reached a deal believed to be worth £2million which could revive the site after several months of discussions, with the High Street premises expected to be developed next year.

The site has been empty for more than two years after being occupied by Marks and Spencer since 1931, before the retailer controversially decided to move out of the city centre and on to Stane Retail Park on the outskirts of the city in September 2022.

After 91 years in the High Street, Marks and Spencer closed its doors on September 7 and opened its new store the following morning.

New - M&S moved outside the city centre in 2022New - M&S moved outside the city centre in 2022 (Image: Newsquest) It is expected the High Street site, which has three storeys, will be split up into a number of separate outlets, though details on which retailers will move into the store are yet to be confirmed.

The news has been welcomed by shoppers, who were left disappointed when Marks and Spencer announced its move.

Some were keen for the site to become a clothing shop, with Jamie-Lee Tuttlebee saying: “ZARA! It’s about time we had some more clothes shops!”

Carly Brundle said: “I would like Mango, Zara, and an M&S food hall, plus somewhere to take back my Next directory items for when I can’t get to tollgate.

“Overall, some clothes shops as we have so much of everything else, the city centre needs them!”

Others voiced their thoughts on a baker, butcher, greengrocer or indoor market like Chelmsford Market, with Peter Chisnall adding: “Not too much to ask for a city!”

Ideas - Residents have shared their wishes for future stores for the site Ideas - Residents have shared their wishes for future stores for the site (Image: Newsquest) Lisa Went said: “We don’t need any more restaurants, nail bars, or clubs—it would be nice to have market stalls, craft stalls, greengrocer stalls and others, you would get people come and have a look.”

Lindsey Stevenson said: “Haven’t we got enough eateries in Colchester? What about decent shops?

“Bring back the local butchers, grocers, fishmongers, bakeries, independent shopping.”

Terry Cooper said: “I’d like to see a greengrocer and butchers, but unfortunately that won’t happen as all the previous ones in town centre closed due to lack of use.”

Several comments mentioned a clothing store that caters for larger sizes, and “more mature people,” such as Yours and Bon Marche.

Though there were some unique suggestions.

Paul Ai Wen Hannam said: “They should turn it into an indoor Go Karting venue.”

Some residents were more sceptical, however.

Nicolas Chilvers said: “I wish them well, but the renovation costs will be huge plus massive rental costs.

“Then they’ll look at the saturated market for coffee and takeaways—it could drag on for years.”