Six architectural teams have been selected to participate in a competition aimed at reimagining Marks & Spencer’s iconic flagship store on Oxford Street. The teams, including Connolly Wellingham, Saqqra, Jestico + Whiles, Marks Barfield, Avanti Architects, and Add Apt, were chosen from a longlist of 13 by a panel of judges. Each team will receive a £5,000 honorarium and will gather next Thursday at Ravensbourne University to further develop their concepts.
The re:store competition, which attracted entries from UK-based architects, architectural assistants, and architecture students, aims to explore whether the historic building can be given a new lease of life instead of being demolished and rebuilt, as per architect Pilbrow + Partners’ plan. The building, which dates back to 1929, has faced controversy due to this proposed redevelopment.
This retrofit-first competition is an independent initiative and not associated with Marks & Spencer. The primary goal is to encourage architects and others in the built environment to prioritize whole-life carbon design principles and preserve the heritage of the existing structure as much as possible. Entrants are expected to meet five key objectives, reflecting the importance of sustainability and innovative design approaches.
Through sketching, model-making, and discussions during the day-long charrette, each team will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and imaginative solutions to transform the historic Marks & Spencer store into a revitalized space for the future.