A YORK shopping centre is set for a boost with the arrival of a major retailer with garden centre.

B&M hopes to open a superstore at Monks Cross on the edge of the city, with it taking three units, near Primark.

The discount retailer already has outlets at Clifton Moor and Foss Islands retail park.

Its planning application to City of York Council proposes the amalgamation of units 1, 1A, 2 and 2A, on the eastern retail terrace to create the superstore.

The units on the 0.34ha site presently contain the Hobbycraft York store and the now closed outlets for Poundland and Hays Travel.

If approved, the units would be merged to create one single unit containing the B&M, with its garden centre going at the rear.

The application said removing existing mezzanines in the four existing sites would cause a “significant reduction” in floorspace.

The planning documents say: “The proposed development works will follow the same layout as originally found on site.

“The four units will be amalgamated with a shopfront entrance along the west facing facade of the unit, tying in the the existing retail terrace.

“And the service yard to the rear will continue to be accessed as it is currently.

“The new garden centre has been situated to the rear of the unit within the service yard, for ease in deliveries.

“This has been positioned as to not adversely affect the operation of the service yard.”

The documents go on to say: "The proposal for the merge of units does not affect the overall layout or physical operation of the shopping terrace.

“All works proposed to the western facing facade of the unit have been designed to be minimal, and tie in with the newly refurbished retail terrace, ensuring a uniform appearance.

“This includes the incorporation of new glazing to replace previous shopfront entrances. To the rear, the garden centre fencing will be made up of prison mesh.”

The application also said the existing signage towers will be retained, with proposed signage for the amalgamated unit located on the tower above the unit entrance.

It adds: “All established public transport links and level access from pedestrian areas will remain as existing. All car park areas, including disabled and parent & child parking bays will remain as existing."

The proposed opening hours for the superstore are not known.

The plans do not reveal details of the number of staff the site might employ. Both B&M and shopping centre management said they were unable to comment as the application is still going through the planning process.

Hobbycraft said: “We have no intention of closing our York store. If this were to change in the future we would advise our customers at the appropriate time.”