BUSINESS leaders have backed £25 million plans for an upgrade at Monks Cross Shopping Park in York.

Susie Cawood, head of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber, said: “A strong retail offering at Monks Cross as well as the city centre will enable York plc to compete as a serious retail and leisure destination attracting visitors from other parts of the region and beyond.”

The Press yesterday exclusively revealed plans to improve Monks Cross, inlcuding rearranging the existing layout to create two large anchor units. The plans, which are expected to attract a popular clothing retailer which does not have a store in York, are expected to create up to 175 jobs.

The shopping centre is to lose two of its most popular retailers, Marks & Spencer and Next, to a new retail scheme being built nearby, alongside a new community stadium.

A planning application is expected to be submitted this spring.