The breaking up of the one-time ‘anchor’ M&S Food store in Brightwells Yard into three separate commercial units has been all-but confirmed this week after Crest Nicholson submitted plans to Waverley Borough Council.

There has been much speculation over who – or what – could replace Marks & Spencer after the retail giant pulled out of Brightwells in August 2022, with several suggested replacements including a new Aldi supermarket failing to materialise.

However, it has long been thought Crest’s preference was to break up Brightwells’ ‘Unit 1, Building 20’  into three smaller units, and this week it set out its rationale.

Its application states: “With recent changes to retail patterns, larger commercial units are considered to be less desirable for future occupiers than at the time the operative permission was granted.”

Waverley is expected to determine the ‘non-material amendment’ by mid-February.