M&S superstore on way to park

The clothing giant wants to move into the Bentley Bridge Retail Park.

Securing the store will be a massive boost for the complex, which has suffered a string of closures since it opened 10 years ago and has failed to fill several other units.

Rumours had been cirulating that the leading chain was interested in moving into the park but now planning applications for the new store have been submitted to Wolverhampton City Council.

Today M&S refused to comment on their plans for the city but Wednesfield councillor Phil Bateman said its impending arrival was "great news".

He said: "Marks & Spencer will give Bentley Bridge a real lift and will obviously make a huge impact on shopping in the North East of the city.

"It's even more imperative that we start to develop the walkway to village high street to tie the growing complex at Bentley Bridge to the traditional village high street centre.

"Marks and Spencer is just the quality outlet we wanted." If successful in its bid, M&S will join stores including Boots, Dorothy Perkins and Home Bargains.

Planning permission has also recently been given to a children's adventure play centre in the former Mecca Bingo building.

But the retail park has suffered a string of misfortunes over the years.

Several units still remain empty despite a marketing campaign over several years attempting to secure big names.

And the popular Healthland gym closed without warning in 2005, leaving thousands of users floundering.