Marks and Spencer looks set to go ahead with plans to open a new store in Marlow despite announcing it is shedding hundreds of jobs in the UK.

M&S has long been tipped to fill the large retail space at the new Windsor House development on the corner of Spittal and Dean Streets when it is finally built.

And Sorbon Estates – part of the Shanly Group – confirmed the "existing interest" in the store still remains and that talks are in the "latter stages" for a tenant to move in.

This is despite the announcement last week from M&S bosses that about 500 jobs would go at its head offices in London.

Chris Naylor, director of asset management at Sorbon Estates, said: “We are currently in talks with potential tenants for Windsor House.

“The existing interest remains and one prospective tenant is in the latter stages of negotiation.

“With its prime position at Marlow’s gateway, it is a sought after location for any retailer.

“We are looking to secure a tenant that complements the existing businesses and enhances the shopping experience for locals and visitors.”

M&S already has a store in Marlow, yards away in Spittal Street and it is expected that it will move its operation to Windsor House – almost doubling its current shop floor size.

Sorbon revealed that they had a “firm offer” from M&S when plans first emerged for the new building in 2014.

And it appears the interest from the retail giant has not waned in the two years that has passed since the plans were revised and eventually approved.

Demolition of the old office block has not yet begun, with Sorbon confirming it is waiting for an EE telephone mast to be removed this autumn before an official start date is set.

The job losses at M&S in the UK are not thought to affect shop floor staff.