PLANS to expand Monks Cross Shopping Park have been welcomed by another nearby developer.

Richard France, director of Oakgate (Monks Cross) Ltd, which is behind the plans for the new community stadium and enabling retail development next to Monks Cross, said his company looked forward to hearing who the new occupants at the original Monks Cross site would be.

He said: “Of course, the city centre remains the jewel in York’s crown and we must all work to make sure that York’s retail sector remains competitive against increasing competition from regional rivals.

“In the meantime, we are continuing to prepare our site for development and look forward to starting construction on the new John Lewis, M&S and Next stores very shortly.”

The Press exclusively revealed earlier this week Monks Cross Shopping Park’s plans to create two large units by rearranging its current configuration.

The plans, which are expected to attract a popular clothing retailer which does not currently already have a presence in York, are also expected to create up to 175 jobs and safeguard the future of the shopping centre.