A taxpayer-funded foodstore will throw open its doors today

Marks and Spencer customers in Eastleigh were set to be welcomed in for the first time at 10am with a glass of fizz and and other treats.

Situated on Coles Close just off Twyford Road, the 8,500sqft foodhall will feature a café and a click-and-collect service that will allow customers to collect ordered items, including clothing the next day.

The store, which has 45 parking spaces, will employ 60 staff, all recruited from the local area

Store manager Dylan Chandler said: “Having lived in Eastleigh for 17 years, it’s an honour to be asked to manage a store in my hometown.

“I really feel that M&S will be a fantastic addition to this ever improving Market Town and will offer the people of Eastleigh and the surrounding areas a real opportunity to be part of something special.

“The team and I are making the final touches and can’t wait to reveal our extensive ranges and 50-seat café with outdoor seating.”

A seven metre tank has also been installed for harvesting rainwater. It can hold 18,200 litres which will be piped through to the store for flushing the in-house WCs.

However, as previously reported, the build has caused controversy after Eastleigh Borough Council funded the build and refused to clarify exactly how the £3.6m it borrowed to back the development was being spent, and whether it was borrowed in compliance with M&S specifications.

The store will be M&S’s first new opening in Hampshire since its Havant branch in 2016.