CLOTHING giant Primark could be set to open an outlet in York city centre.

Speculation was mounting today that Primark would be moving into the city, as Boots The Chemists revealed it would be relocating to the former Woolworths store in Spurriergate.

Coun Steve Galloway, leader of City Of York Council, said he had heard that Primark was hoping to move into the premises occupied by Boots in Market Street after Boots moves out.

While Primark today said it was not planning to open a store in York, a company spokesman revealed the city was a "prime target" for its expansion.

"Primark is not currently looking at any specific sites in York in which to open a store," he said.

"However, York is a prime target for the opening of a Primark store if a suitable site could be located."

He said he was unable to comment on the Market Street premises currently occupied by Boots.

Coun Galloway said that if Primark was to come to York it would give the city a new chain which had its nearest store in Leeds.

"I would welcome Primark coming to the city," he said. "I think it would add a different modern dimension in terms of the modern shopping choice in the city."

Len Cruddas, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber Of Commerce, said he too would welcome a Primark store in the city.

"We'd be delighted," he said. "I think Primark is a very strong brand and it would add further to York's already strong retail offer."

The news comes on the day that Boots officially confirmed rumours of its move into the former Woolworth property are true.

Boots said the new store would create "a number of" job opportunities for local residents, though the company was yesterday unable to confirm how many vacancies might arise.

A spokesperson for Boots said: "Following our previous statement issued in accordance with our contractual obligations, we can now confirm that Boots The Chemists, currently at 48 Coney Street (8-10 Market Street), York, will be relocating to a new site at 43 Coney Street, with the new store scheduled to open in late summer 2008.

"The relocation is a customer-led decision, acting upon customer feedback and means that we can now offer our customers better access to a wider range of products and services all on one floor.

"The new store will offer an increased range of health and beauty products, while offering a number of job opportunities to the local community through this expansion."

On the Boots move, Coun Galloway said: "I'm delighted that things are moving quickly and that the relocation will be with us in the not too far distant future.

"It'll mean more investment in the city in terms of improving retail progress in the city centre area."