Marks & Spencer eyes site in George Street Bring in the stars: this Annie Leibovitz image for a Marks & Spencer campaign featured Helen Mirren (bottom, right). Photo: Annie Leibovitz for Marks & Spencer British department chain Marks & Spencer is reportedly looking at opening a store in Sydney, following the lead of labels H&M and Zara. One spot reported to be in the mix is at 333 George Street, which is being redeveloped into a $250 million office and retail tower. More than $2 billion worth of office redevelopment is earmarked for Sydney in the coming year. The owner of 333 George Street, Charter Hall's office fund, is talking to potential tenants for the retail podium and late last month M&S leasing executives in Sydney put the site on their list. An artist's impression of the site at 333 George Street owned by the Charter Hall Group and being redeveloped by Watpac. The retailer is said to have also looked at the shop section under 383 George Street, and any redevelopment of the Glasshouse centre in the Pitt Street Mall. The plans come as the Brisbane-based Watpac won the contract to build a new 17-storey office building at 333 George Street in Sydney's CBD. The contract is valued at $72 million. The building is owned by Charter Hall Group's wholesale managed fund, Core Plus Office Fund, and on completion it will be valued at about $250 million. International retailers such as Marks & Spencer and high-technology groups are said to be looking at the retail podium in the heart of the planned pedestrian walkway in George Street. The possible Marks & Spencer deal comes as the largest retail chain in the world, H&M, is close to signing the lease at the nearby 345 George Street. The rival Zara, the second-largest retail chain in the world, was said not to be keen to have H&M near it in Pitt Street Mall. Luxury retailers are now relocating to George Street, including Louis Vuitton and Burberry. The deals come as other older office towers around Sydney are being earmarked for conversion to residential towers, including the air space above the City Tattersalls property at 194-200 Pitt Street. Charter Hall joint managing director David Harrison said his group's new commercial tower, on the corner of Martin Place and George Street, would feature 15 levels of A-grade office space, three levels of premium retail, rooftop terraces and basement parking. "Design work has commenced and construction is scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2014," Mr Harrison said. The Core Plus Office Fund is set to commence the demolition and construction of its 331 and 333 George Street site early next year following the appointment of Watpac as construction contractor for the project. "Designed by architects Grimshaw and Crone Partners, the building has been designed to suit contemporary office fitouts and is aiming to achieve a five-star Green Star (V3 Design and As Built) and a five-star NABERS Energy Rating," Mr Harrison said.