MARKS & Spencer’s new store on York’s outskirts will be one of the company’s greenest in Britain, with ‘living’ walls, electric car charging points and 600 solar panels.

The retail giant has released further details of the 100,000 sq ft store, which is set to open at Vangarde Shopping Park, Monks Cross, on Thursday April 10.

A spokeswoman said the two green living walls, totalling over 1,800 sq ft, will be designed to attract wildlife and retain heat, and the store will also feature a 60,000 litre tank to recycle rainwater and reduce mains water usage.

She said the store would bring customers even more choice across fashion, beauty, food and homeware, with a new 1,500 sq ft beauty hall offering an extensive range of M&S' own-brand products, along with some of the world's leading brands such as Nuxe, Murad and Monotheme.

“The 18,000 sq ft womenswear section will include the Autograph department, offering more sophisticated style and fashion options for customers in York,” she said.

“M&S Monks Cross will also feature a larger selection of the M&S Collection, per una and Limited ranges.

“The menswear department will include the North Coast range, along with Autograph, Blue Harbour and Collezione shops. The store will also benefit from a large suit selection. There will be an all year round school shop, along with a larger selection of kidswear ranges.”

She said the 14,700 sq ft Home department would allow customers to browse M&S’ extensive soft furnishing, furniture and accessories collection.

The café would provide seating for 170 people and offer customers panoramic views of York Minster while serving freshly-made dishes using ingredients from the food hall.

Store Manager Hilary Wilkinson said: “The new store will bring the best of M&S under one roof, with bigger fashion ranges, a new beauty Hall and a large homeware department. We hope old and new customers can join us on April 10 to celebrate the opening.”